Extended Stockton

Coastal Management
Program
DRAFT
February 2025

[Link]
Acknowledgment
City of Newcastle acknowledges with the deepest respect the Traditional Custodians
of this land, a people who belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world.

We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and unique cultural
and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas.

We are grateful for the rich, diverse, living cultures of Aboriginal people. We recognise
the history of truth that acknowledges the impact of invasion and colonisation on
Aboriginal people and how this still resonates today.

We pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories,
traditions, cultures and aspirations of Aboriginal people.

Enquiries
For information contact
Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability
Phone 4974 2000

Published by
City of Newcastle
PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone 4974 2000
[Link]

© 2025 City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle has prepared this document with financial

assistance from the NSW Government through its Coastal
Management Program. This document does not necessarily
represent the opinions of the NSW Government or the Department
of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Cover: Stockton amenity sand nourishment, October 2023. Picture supplied by NSW Government.
Document Summary
Client City of Newcastle

Document Title Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Project Name Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Date February 2025

Report No. P19028_ExtendedStocktonCMP_R4.00

Document History
Version Date Author(s) Reviewer(s) Status Signature
1.0 27.11.23 E. Watterson E. Watterson DRAFT
and H. Loehr

2.0 05.02.24 E. Watterson E. Watterson REVISED

and H. Loehr DRAFT

3.0 29.04.24 E. Watterson E. Watterson REVISED

and H. Loehr DRAFT

4.0 02.08.24 E. Watterson E. Watterson DRAFT FOR

and H. Loehr PUBLIC
EXHIBITION
City of Newcastle

4 Mitchell Street seawall, March 2022. Picture supplied by Brefni.

Foreword

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 5

 Executive summary

"An early winter solstice swim on Stockton beach. The early morning swimmers were leaving the water as the
Stockton OvaArmers were going in. I caught a high five moment. Swimming in the mornings at Stockton is routine, a
perfect way to greet the day with a wonderful community."

High fives on an early morning Stockton swim by Tracie O’Meara - Stockton Beach Photo Competition, open category winner.

Since NSW’s first certified Coastal Management Stockton Beach is located on a sand peninsula,
Program (CMP), the Stockton CMP, was gazetted in immediately north of the Hunter River. It is a highly
2020, local governments across NSW have continued dynamic coastal environment that has experienced
to prepare CMPs in line with NSW Government ongoing and significant coastal erosion and
legislation, to outline the long-term strategy for inundation events, which have directly threatened
managing the complexity of the coastal zone that is coastal assets. The historic response to erosion
consistent with the principles of ecologically impacts has significantly changed the identity of the
sustainable development. suburb, requiring the installation of a range of
temporary and permanent protection measures,
Management of the coastal zone presents significant including the relocation of assets and the removal of
City of Newcastle

challenges, including increasing pressure from the old Stockton North Surf Life Saving Club that
development, community use, coastal processes and housed Stockton’s only childcare centre. This,
a changing climate, which when combined, impact combined with the loss of what once was a wide
the coastal and oceanic environments and identity sandy beach, has drastically altered the amenity of
of these areas. the area and created substantial community trauma.
6
The Stockton CMP (2020) identified large scale mass The Extended Stockton CMP presents a long-term
sand nourishment (mass nourishment) as the most strategy for the adaptive, integrated and
feasible, viable and acceptable solution to the coordinated management of the Stockton coastline
coastal erosion and coastal inundation risk. This that reflects community and CN objectives. In
aligns with the City of Newcastle (CN) and the alignment with the objects of the NSW Coastal
community’s objectives of asset protection and Management Act 2016 (CM Act), the extended
preserved beach amenity over the long term. Stockton CMP will deliver sustained benefits for
amenity and coastal protection for the area
The development of the Extended Stockton CMP between Little Beach and the Port Stephens LGA
focuses on the assessment of medium to long-term boundary. The coastal management strategy within
coastal management options from Little Beach to the Extended Stockton CMP has been developed
the Port Stephens local government area (LGA) using current scientific and economic investigations
boundary that complements the Stockton CMP and provides an iterative program of adaptable risk
(2020) mass nourishment strategy. A sand movement mitigation actions to address identified threats and
study for the full Stockton Bight was undertaken in issues that are feasible, viable and acceptable for
2020 (Supporting Documentation B), which CN and the community over the next ten years.
highlighted that the average annual northerly
movement of sand out of the southern embayment The Extended Stockton CMP establishes a pathway
is approximately 146,000 m3 per year. This is for the delivery of mass nourishment, while
significantly higher than previously estimated, and simultaneously planning and delivering urgent
likely to increase with time. The impact of the protection works for critical public assets in the
ongoing sand loss is exacerbated by the blockage short-term. Mass nourishment is designed to return
of natural sand supply from the south due to the both amenity and access to the Stockton coastal
impact of the Newcastle Harbour entrance training zone, while also re-establishing a sand protection
breakwaters, artificially deepened navigation buffer between the ocean and public assets,
channel and on-going maintenance dredging that, avoiding the need for coastal protection structures
when combined, represents a physical barrier to to manage key risks beyond the immediate term. This
natural sand bypassing. This output plays a crucial management approach maintains the natural
role in the understanding of coastal management northerly flow of sand across the broader Stockton
along the coastal zone and has been pivotal in Bight. It is planned that the sand buffer
defining a sustainable solution for Stockton Beach. re-established by mass nourishment will be
supported by a responsive program of regular sand
Coastal erosion at Stockton has proceeded beyond top-ups.
an acceptable natural sandy buffer and the
remaining buffer does not provide an adequate level The Extended Stockton CMP replaces the Stockton
of coastal protection or beach amenity. A CMP (2020), with its coastal management strategy
probabilistic coastal erosion and recession hazard and actions intended to be implemented over the
assessment, using the targeted findings of the next 10 years.
Stockton Beach Sand Movement Study, concluded
that the Extended Stockton CMP area is currently at
high to extreme risk, with public assets under
immediate threat, requiring urgent protection, and
private assets anticipated to be under threat over
the longer term. This has formed the basis for the
development of the coastal management strategy
and actions within the Extended Stockton CMP.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 7

 Table of Contents
Foreword 5 7. Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan 110
Executive summary 6 8. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
program 111
Abbreviations 10
8.1 MER actions 111
1. Introduction 11
8.2 General MER of this CMP 114
1.1 Purpose and scope 12
8.3 Integration with CN’s IP&R framework 115
1.2 Context of this CMP 12
9. Maps 117
1.3 Vision and guiding principles 21
10. Reference list 126
1.4 Timeframes covered by this CMP 24
11. Glossary 129
1.5 Community and stakeholder engagement 24

1.6 Stockton coastal zone 28

2. A snapshot of issues 32

2.1 Coastal processes and hazard assessment 32

2.2 Initial risk assessment 40

2.3 Risk assessment 40 Appendices

2.4 Priority management issues 43 Appendix A: Letters of support
3. Selecting the preferred coastal management Appendix B: Evaluation of management actions
strategy 44 Appendix C: Stockton Coastal Zone Emergency
3.1 Introduction 44 Action Subplan

3.2 Shortlisting of coastal management

schemes 46

3.3 Economic evaluation 48

3.4 Non-economic evaluation 50

3.5 Evaluation outcome 51

4. Actions to be implemented 52 Supporting documents

4.1 Coastal management strategy 52 Supporting Documentation A - Newcastle Coastal
4.2 Management actions 58 Management Program Scoping Study (CN, 2019)

5. CMP recommended changes to relevant Supporting Documentation B - Stockton Bight Sand

Movement Study (Bluecoast, 2020a)
planning controls 80
Supporting Documentation C - Stockton Beach
6. A Business Plan 81 Coastal Erosion Hazard Study (Bluecoast, 2020b)
6.1 Value of implementing this CMP 81 Supporting Documentation D - Stockton Beach
Coastal Inundation Assessment (Bluecoast, 2020d)
6.2 Distribution of benefit 81
Supporting Documentation E - Feasibility
6.3 CMP Business Plan 82 Assessment - Extended Stockton CMP
(Bluecoast, 2023a)
6.4 Funding sources 106
City of Newcastle

Supporting Documentation F - Evaluation Report -

6.5 Management action approvals and
Extended Stockton CMP (Bluecoast, 2023b)
considerations 108
Supporting Documentation G - CMP mandatory
6.6 Outstanding issues and risks 108 checklist

8
List of Figures List of Tables

Figure 1. NSW coastal management framework 12 Table 1. CMP stages and supporting
documentation 13
Figure 2. The Extended Stockton CMP area 19
Table 2. Relevant priorities and objectives from
Figure 3. Example images from community
Newcastle 2040 – Community Strategy Plan 16
and stakeholder consultation undertaken
to support the CMP 25 Table 3. Extended Stockton CMP guiding
Figure 4. Recent annual expenditure principles and objectives 22
for coastal management at Stockton 33 Table 4. Key stakeholders to the Extended
Stockton CMP 26
Figure 5. Stockton Beach coastal erosion hazard 35
Table 5. Assets affected from erosion for the
Figure 6. Stockton Beach coastal inundation
business-as-usual base case 41
hazard 39
Table 6. Assessed financial risk profiles at various
Figure 7. Estimated number of properties
time frames (refer Supporting Documentation B
(including both private and non-private property)
Bluecoast, 2020b) 42
impacted by 1% AEP coastal inundation event 42
Table 7. Overview of key priority issues across
Figure 8. Overview of selection process of preferred
the coastal management areas 43
coastal management strategy 45
Table 8. Longlist of potential coastal management
Figure 9. Overview of key beneficiaries
options complementing mass nourishment 46
of Scheme 1 49
Table 9. Description of base case and shortlisted
Figure 10. Overview of MCA results and ranking
coastal management schemes 47
of coastal management schemes 50
Figure 11. Conceptual diagram of mass nourishment Table 10. Economic appraisal results ($M) 48
and sand top-ups scheme, including existing and Table 11. Overview of economic and
planned coastal protection works 55 non-economic (MCA) evaluation results 51
Figure 12. Indicative timing of works and sandy buffer Table 12. Summary of information provided
(or beach health) performance over a 30-year for each management action 58
period of beach nourishment 55
Table 13. CMP actions to be implemented 60
Figure 13. Delivery phases of the Stockton Beach
Repair project (State of NSW, 2023) 56 Table 14. Number of management action
by category and lead agency 76
Figure 14. Map of key CMP actions 59
Table 15. Summary of information provided
Figure 15. The Integrated Planning and Reporting
in the CMP Business Plan 83
(IP&R) framework 115
Table 16. The Business Plan 84

Table 17. Total CMP Costs 106

Table 18. Summary of key MER related
management actions and their intended use
in tracking this CMPs implementation (Stage 5) 112

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 9

 Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning

CM Act Coastal Management Act 2016

CMP Coastal Management Program

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

CZMP Coastal Zone Management Plan (a plan prepared under the former Coastal Protection
Act 1979)

DCCEEW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

DCJ Department of Communities & Justice

DHA Defence Housing Australia

DRNSW Department of Regional NSW

GIS Geographical Information System

HW Hunter Water

IAP2 International Association of Public Participation

IP&R Integrated Planning and Reporting (in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993)

ISO International Organisation for Standardization

LGA Local Government Area

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

PEMP Project Environmental Management Plan

PoN Port of Newcastle

NSWPW Public Works NSW

SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy

TfNSW Transport for NSW

City of Newcastle

10
1. Introduction
Stockton Beach is a highly dynamic coastal environment that has been extensively modified over the course
of European settlement, in particular, the creation of the Hunter River breakwaters and dredging of the
navigation channel. This modification has severely restricted the movement of sand into the Stockton Beach
coastal zone significantly, exacerbating coastal erosion potential and diminishing the sandy buffer used for
both protection and amenity purposes. With predicted climate change-related events like sea level rise and
maintenance of the status quo, these characteristics are likely to be diminished to crisis levels. To date, a
variety of management responses have been enacted to mitigate the erosion impact such as revetment
construction, asset relocation, amenity beach nourishment, beach scraping and emergency protection works.

In response to coastal erosion and relocation of assets, on 17 February 2020 the Minister for Local Government
issued a direction under the CM Act that CN expedite the submission of a draft CMP for the coastline at
Stockton Beach, to the Minister administering the CM Act, by 30 June 2020.

This previously completed Stockton CMP (2020), identified mass nourishment as the most feasible, viable and
acceptable solution to the coastal erosion risk, meeting CN and the community’s objectives of asset
protection and beach amenity over the long term. The subsequent presented Extended Stockton CMP
establishes a pathway for the delivery of mass nourishment, whilst simultaneously planning and delivering on
the urgent protection of critical public assets in the short, medium and long-term.

Beach scraping out the front of Stockton Beach Holiday Park, June 2022. Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 11
 1.1 Purpose and scope
The preferred long-term coastal management strategy has been co-designed with the Stockton community,
to address the key threats of coastal erosion and inundation within the CMP area. The Extended Stockton
CMP presents a long-term strategy for the adaptive, integrated and coordinated management of Stockton’s
coastline between Little Beach and Port Stephen’s LGA boundary. The long-term strategy for Stockton’s coast
is consistent with the objects in the CM Act chiefly to protect coastal environments and support social and
cultural values of the area.

Specific management actions aligned with the implementation of the adopted management strategy are
presented. The management actions make clear CN’s priorities for the next ten (10) years. Details on how
actions will be implemented, funded, monitored and reviewed are given.

1.2 Context of this CMP

1.2.1 NSW coastal management framework

In 2016, the NSW Government established a new framework to manage the coastal environment in an
ecologically sustainable way for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of NSW (Figure 1).
The Extended Stockton CMP has been prepared in accordance with the mandatory requirements for CMPs
specified in the CM Act and accompanying NSW Coastal Management Manual (CM Manual; OEH, 2018).

Coastal Environmental Planning Marine Estate

Management Act 2016 and Assessment Act 1979 Management Act 2014

State Environmental
Coastal Management Planning Policy Marine Estate
Manual (Resilience and Hazard) Management Strategy
2021

Coastal management programs

Figure 1. NSW coastal management framework.

The CMP has been developed in accordance with stages one to four of the five-stage CMP development
and implementation process. The completed stages supporting this CMP are detailed in Table 1.
City of Newcastle

12
 “The photo is of my dad enjoying the sunrise on the beach (who has lived in Stockton his whole life). I’ve always been
captivated and amazed by Stockton beach, and I find an almost spiritual connection to the beauty of the beach. I’ve
also lived in Stockton a good portion of my life.”

Isolated bliss on Stockton Beach by Archibald Brown - Stockton Beach Photo Competition, Secondary School category winner.

Table 1. CMP stages and supporting documentation.

CMP stage Supporting documentation

Stage 1 A Newcastle Coastal Management Program Scoping Study

(City of Newcastle, 2019).
Identify the scope of a CMP.

Stage 2 B Stockton Bight Sand Movement Study (Bluecoast, 2020a).

Determine risks, vulnerabilities C Stockton Beach Coastal Erosion Hazard Study (Bluecoast, 2020b).
and opportunities.
D Stockton Beach Coastal Inundation Assessment (Bluecoast, 2020d).

Stage 3 E Feasibility Assessment - Extended Stockton CMP (Bluecoast, 2023a).

Identify and evaluate options. F Evaluation Report - Extended Stockton CMP (Bluecoast, 2023b).

Stage 4 G CMP mandatory checklist.

Prepare, exhibit, finalise, NA This document, including:
certify and adopt CMP.
• Appendix A – Agency letters of support.
• Appendix B – Evaluation of management actions.
• Appendix C – Stockton Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan
(CZEAS).

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 13

City of Newcastle

14 Stockton amenity sand nourishment, October 2023. Picture supplied by NSW Government.
1.2.2 Local and regional planning context

The Extended Stockton CMP follows on from the certified and gazetted Stockton CMP 2020. The Stockton
CMP 2020 was prepared under a shortened time frame resulting in a truncated spatial extent from Little
Beach to Meredith Street. The development of the Extended Stockton CMP focuses on the assessment of
medium-term coastal management options from Little Beach to the Port Stephens LGA boundary. It further
develops the adopted mass nourishment strategy for the southern end of the embayment identified within
the Stockton CMP 2020.

The Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan (CN, 2022) is a shared community vision, developed as a
guide to inform policies and actions throughout the city for the next 10+ years. It is structured using four main
themes that set out the priorities and objectives for the future of the Newcastle LGA. While all themes have
relevance to coastal zone management, the Sustainable theme and two of its priorities, Action on Climate
Change and Nature-based solutions, are particularly pertinent to this CMP. The Newcastle Environment
Strategy (NES) is a supporting strategy for the delivery of these priorities and outlines the focus areas which
the development and delivery of the Extended Stockton CMP help to achieve.

CN committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. While CN recognises the
importance of all 17 SDGs, the Extended Stockton CMP most closely aligns with seven of the 17. Newcastle
2040, the Newcastle Environment Strategy and the Extended Stockton CMP all contribute towards the shared
global vision outlined within the SDGs.

A shared vision that

Newcastle will be a
liveable, sustainable,
inclusive global city.
Community Strategic Plan

Newcastle
The NES is an informing ENVIRONMENT
Newcastle strategy of Newcastle 2040,
providing a roadmap of
Strategy
Roadmap to a

ENVIRONMENT
sustainable Newcastle
how CN will achieve the
2023

sustainability priorities and

Strategy 2023 objectives of the CSP over
the next 10 years. The NES
will be supported by five
action plans.
[Link]

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 15

 Table 2. Relevant priorities and objectives from Newcastle 2040 – Community Strategy Plan.

Newcastle 2040
Sustainable
Development
Goals
Theme Priority Obje
relev

1 Liveable 1.1 Enrich neighbourhoods and places. 1.1.1 Great spaces

1.1.2 Well-designe
1.1.3 Protected her

1.2 Connected and fair communities. 1.2.2 Inclusive Com

1.2.4 Healthy comm

2 Sustainable 2.1 Action on climate change. 2.1.2 Know and sha

2.1.3 Resilient urba

2.2 Nature-based solutions. 2.2.1 Regenerate n

2.2.3 Achieve a wa

4 Achieving Together 4.2 Trust and transparency. 4.2.1 Genuine enga

.

4.3 Collaborative and innovative approach. 4.3.2 Innovation an

4.3.3 Data-driven d

Other relevant local and regional plans and strategies

of relevance to the development of this CMP include:
• Hunter Regional Plan 2041 (DPE, 2022).
• Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 (DPE, 2018).
• Newcastle Strategic Planning Statement (CN, 2021).
• Fern Bay and Stockton North Strategy (CN, 2020).
• Newcastle Coastal Revitalisation Strategy (Urbis, 2010).
City of Newcastle

16
ectives most
vant to CMP

s.
ed places.
ritage places.

Newcastle Environment Strategic Priorities the Extended

mmunities. Stockton CMP assist to achieve
munities.
• Expand our understanding of local climate risks on our built and
natural environment and our community and integrate
evidence-based climate risk management into organisational
are our climate risk. decision making, investment planning and service delivery.
an and natural areas. • Apply adaptive management to urban planning and development,
infrastructure design and natural area management in response to
increased climate risks from flooding, coastal erosion and inundation,
natural systems. storms, heatwaves, heat stress, drought, and bush and grass fires.
ater-sensitive city.

• Build a network of high quality blue and green spaces that connects
town centres, public transport hubs, schools and residential areas
agement. (a blue green grid) for enhanced liveability and biodiversity outcomes.

nd continuous improvement.
decision-making and insights.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 17

 1.2.3 Area covered by this CMP

In 2019, the Newcastle Coastal Management The area covered by this CMP is presented
Program Scoping Study, originally proposed that one in Figure 2. The areas’ extents are described as:
CMP be developed for the entire open coastline
• the open coast (or seaward side of Stockton)
within the coastal zone of the CN LGA, including the
including the nearshore area down to the -15m
lower part of the Hunter Estuary and the Throsby
AHD from Little Beach and Newcastle Harbour’s
Creek Catchment. The format was expected to be
northern breakwater in the south to the City of
similar to that of the Newcastle Coastal Zone
Newcastle - Port Stephens Council LGA boundary
Management Plan 2018, with discrete sections for
in the north.
Stockton, Newcastle’s Southern Beaches and with
the addition of a section for the Lower Hunter • extending inland (west) incorporating the coastal
Estuary. Due to the four-month timeframe imposed zone and the extent of coastal erosion 2120 hazard
by the 2020 Ministerial Direction, a CMP for Stockton line. The area further west will be included in the
was fast tracked with a spatial scope truncated to Hunter Estuary CMP.
the area between Little Beach and Meredith Street
and the northern breakwater of the Hunter River. Post
The Extended Stockton CMP area encompasses the
the production of the Stockton CMP 2020, it was
following coastal management areas as defined in
determined that three (3) discrete CMPs would cover
the CM Act and mapped in the State Environmental
the Newcastle LGA:
Planning Policy (Hazard and Resilience) 2021:
i. Extended Stockton CMP
• Coastal environment area.
ii. Newcastle’s Southern Beaches CMP and, • Coastal use area.

iii. the Hunter Estuary CMP.

The CMP area is adjacent to (though not containing)
The decision to separate them is a reflection of each coastal wetlands.
area’s unique physical, social and natural
environment which influences the depth, breadth In accordance with the CM Act, the Stockton Bight
and subsequent timing of investigations and Sand Movement Study (Supporting Document B)
management option evaluations. This approach will takes a sediment compartment wide approach to
enable future document review timing, to be understand coastal sand movements across the
targeted to what is most efficient and appropriate entire Stockton Bight sediment compartment
for each area. At the point of drafting this document (extending from Nobbys Head to Birubi Point). This
the Hunter Estuary was at stage 2 and the study underpins this CMP, which focuses on the
Newcastle Southern Beaches was at stage 3 of the management actions of the southernmost section of
CMP process. this sediment compartment, where significant and
ongoing coastal erosion is occurring.

The remainder of the Stockton Bight will be

incorporated in Port Stephens Councils’ CMP. This
decision was made in consultation with Port
Stephens Council in reflection of the different
management priorities for each area.
City of Newcastle

18
Figure 2. The Extended Stockton CMP area.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 19

 “Going to the Stockton Beach is one of my favourite things to do. I love the warm feeling of the sun on my back and the wet
sand in my hands. Swimming in the water is like swimming in a crystal-clear bath. I love ducking under waves and playing
with my family and best friends. Each one of us can play a role in protecting this amazing beach so that all can enjoy it as
much as I do.”

Hands of change by Isla Wall - Stockton Beach Photo Competition, Primary School category winner.
City of Newcastle

20
1.3 Vision and guiding principles

1.3.1 Vision

Our coastal environment is enhanced and resilient while maintaining the recreational amenity and sense of
identity the coast provides to the community. Through sustainable and integrated management, the coastal
zone will provide a liveable and urban character that strengthens community connections and wellbeing.

Management will be responsive and adaptable to current and future coastal hazard risks, including climate
change, sea level rise and coastal erosion, to ensure the continued community use and enjoyment of our
unique coastal area.

1.3.2 Objectives and guiding principles

The objects of the CM Act are to “manage the coastal environment of New South Wales in a manner
consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development for the social, cultural and economic
well-being of the people of the State”. Part 1, Section 3 of the CM Act sets out 13 objects of the CM Act (a. to
m.). The management objectives of the two management areas considered to be encompassed within the
area covered by this CMP are set out in Part 2 (Section 7 to Section 9) of the CM Act. The objects of the CM
Act and the management objectives of the relevant management areas have been considered and
promoted when preparing this CMP. This is demonstrated in the supporting documentation and outlined
further in Section 4 of this CMP.

Table 3 represents the guiding principles and objectives for the Extended Stockton CMP as defined by CN.
The guiding principles and objectives for the Extended Stockton CMP:

• Were originally developed as part of the Newcastle CMP Scoping Study (CN, 2019a) and refined with
community and stakeholder input, as this CMP has evolved.

• Have been developed in accordance with the CM Act and guidance from the NSW coastal management
manual.

• Considers a range of timeframes (short, medium and long, see Section 1.4). The objectives have been
specifically set, due to the differing circumstances and site conditions, forecast by anticipated factors, e.g.,
medium-term are set with the knowledge of delivery of mass nourishment as per Stockton CMP 2020.
Short-term objectives are set with a high probability of a storm event resulting in identified assets exposed
to coastal hazards. Long-term objectives are set post-delivery of the preferred management scheme
which include mass nourishment.

• Considers a range of timeframes (short, medium and long, see Section 1.4).

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 21

 Table 3. Extended Stockton CMP guiding principles and objectives.

Short term
Newcastle 2040 Guiding Principles Prior to mass sand nourishment
Priorities (1 to 5 years)

Protect and enhance the 1a. Manage landfill risk.

2.1, 2.2 environmental qualities of the coastal 1b. Protect biodiversity values of the beach, d
zone. heath land.
1c. Identify environmental risks and controls n
1d. Address activities that degrade the qualit
coastal environment.

Identify adaptable measures that 2a. Protect critical infrastructure at risk from
facilitate the sustainable management coastal hazards.
and development of the coastal zone 2b. Complete planning work for the delivery o
2.1 from coastal hazards into the future, sand nourishment.
including in response to the effects of
climate change.

Support inclusive vibrant and active 3a. Deliver amenity nourishment.

places within the coastal zone that 3b. Efficient management of existing beach s
1.1, 1.2, provide social, recreational and
3c. Maintain existing authorised public access
2.1 amenity opportunities, equity in
the beach as conditions allow.
access, strengthen social connections
and maintain Newcastle's sense of 3d. Investigate opportunities to improve publi
identity as a coastal city. to and along the beach.

Retain and protect cultural items and 4a. Manage known European and Aboriginal
1.1, 1.2, areas to continue connection to the 4b. Support the identification and manageme
2.1 land and identification of the city’s
4c. Improved acknowledgement of Worimi pe
coastal communities and history.
4d. Support the community's social and cultu
City of Newcastle

22
 Objectives

Medium term Long term

After mass sand nourishment (30+ years)
(5 to 30 years)

1e. Improve biodiversity values of natural assets. 1g. Enhance the coastal environment and be consistent
dune and 1f. Return beach environment through mass with Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)
nourishment. principles.
needed.
ty of the

2c. Mitigate impact of coastal hazards on public and 2e. Management planning reviewed in line with the
private infrastructure. mass nourishment monitoring.
of mass 2d. Incorporate coastal hazard responses into land 2f. Plans and strategies in place to improve the
use and asset planning. resilience of the community to the impacts of an
uncertain climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.

3e. Improved beach amenity. 3h. As appropriate, provide equitable access to the
sand. 3f. Identify spaces that can be transitioned to beach and effective links between development
conversation areas and rehabilitated. areas.
s along
3g. Improved public access to and along the beach.
ic access

heritage items.
ent of cultural heritage.
eople's spiritual, social and customary importance of the Stockton coastal zone.
ural connections and values of the coastal zone.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 23

 1.4 Timeframes covered by this CMP
A CMP is required to consider a range of timeframes (Mandatory Requirement MR2) to address current and
future risks. A definition of the adopted timeframes for the Extended Stockton CMP are defined below:

• Coastal hazard timeframes – identification of coastal hazards and associated risk over immediate,
20 year, 50 year and 100 year planning periods.

• Implementation timeframes:

• Short-term (interim, 1-5 years) – current period until delivery of mass nourishment. The delivery of
mass nourishment is expected to occur within 2 to 5 years dependant on the completion of required
investigations, design work, assessments and approvals as discussed in Section 4.1.2.

• Medium term (5 to 30 years) – a 30-year period consistent with the recommended NSW Treasury
economic analysis period for major new capital expenditure. For longer periods, it becomes more
difficult to forecast costs and benefits of coastal management actions subject to uncertainty in
coastal hazards, demographics and land-use. This timeframe encompasses multiple CMP reviews
(at least once every 10 years).

• Long term – period beyond 30 years subject to higher uncertainty that requires ongoing monitoring,
review and adaptive management.

1.5 Community and stakeholder engagement

Effective community and stakeholder engagement Engagement involved:
forms a key aspect of the Extended Stockton CMP.
Engagement with relevant northern government • Over 30 Stockton Community Liaison Group
landholders, government agency stakeholders, the workshops and meetings.
Port of Newcastle and members of the community • Community surveys (typically delivered via CN’s
has been undertaken throughout the development ‘Have your say’ website).
of both CMPs, since 2019. The extensive engagement
• Community drop-in sessions, including
undertaken for the Extended Stockton CMP,
representation at sessions led by the NSW
continues on from the engagement undertaken for
Government.
the Stockton CMP 2020, as well as the Newcastle
Coastal Zone Management Plan (2018). • Letterbox drops and regular printed updates
made available throughout the Stockton
Engagement activities were undertaken in community and online.
accordance with CN’s Community Engagement
Strategy (2023), and with reference to the • Dedicated project website pages, videos and
requirements of the CM Act and NSW Coastal social media.
Management Manual’s mandatory requirements. • ‘Stockton In Your Eyes’ Photo Competition.

This CMP has been supported by extensive agency, • A range of theme-based CMP action workshops.
stakeholder and community engagement to develop
• Northern government landholder and agency
the guiding principles and objectives, evaluate
workshops, updates and one-on-one meetings/
management schemes and draft the management
discussions.
actions. Some of which is summarised in Supporting
Documentation A and F. • Regular liaison with Worimi representatives for
Stockton.

• Direct liaison with Port Stephens Council regarding

City of Newcastle

integration with the Port Stephens CMP.

24
The broader Stockton community’s long-term involvement in planning and advocating for a solution to
Stockton’s coastal erosion crisis, cannot be understated. Key community-driven actions include:

• Community rallies, including 2019 Save our Beach rally and 2020 Stockton Beach red line rally.

• 10,000 signature petition presented to the Honourable Speaker and Members of the NSW Legislative
Assembly.

A list of key stakeholders is provided in Table 4, with additional information on selected stakeholders in the
subsequent sections.

Figure 3. Example images from community and stakeholder consultation undertaken to support the CMP.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 25

 Table 4. Key stakeholders to the Extended Stockton CMP.

Category Stakeholders

City of • Asset / Environment managers

Newcastle
• Service Unit managers
• Planning teams
• Emergency Management teams

Government CMP action owners

agencies, • Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
businesses
or other Sand management / Newcastle Harbour stakeholders
stakeholders • Port of Newcastle (action owner)
• Transport for NSW (TfNSW): seabed owner in Port of Newcastle lease area
• Port Authority of NSW
• Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Landowners (some also CMP action owners)

• Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure - Crown Lands and Public Spaces
(DPHI - Crown Lands) (including land below the mean high-water mark)
• Hunter Water
• Defence Housing Australia
• NSW Department of Communities and Justice
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (north of CMP area)
• Worimi Conservations Lands Board of Management (north of CMP area)

Coastal Zone Sub-Emergency Action Subplan Stakeholders

• NSW SES
• NSW Police
• Fire and Rescue NSW

Other Government and non-government stakeholders

• Port Stephens Council
• Stockton Beach Taskforce
• Surf Life Saving NSW
• NSW Coastal Council
• Members of NSW / Federal Parliament
• NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries
• Treasury NSW
• Heritage NSW
• Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (previously Department of
Regional NSW)

Traditional • City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee

City of Newcastle

custodians
• Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC)
• Identified Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) for Stockton
• Traditional custodians

26
 Category Stakeholders

Community • Stockton Community Liaison Group (SCLG)

groups
• Stockton Community Group
• Stockton Surf Life Saving Club
• Stockton Nippers
• Northside Boardriders
• Fishing groups

1.5.1 Stockton Beach Taskforce 1.5.2 Stockton Community Liaison Group

Consisting of government agencies, along with CN The Stockton Community Liaison Group (SCLG) was
and community representatives, the Stockton Beach formed by the Lord Mayor in February 2018. It is
Taskforce (the Taskforce) was established in March chaired by a member of the community and consists
2020 to monitor and be consulted on the Stockton of a group of leading locals including the CEO of the
Beach mass nourishment program and the delivery Worimi Aboriginal Land Council, that works together
of the remaining activities funded under the to share community views and knowledge of local
Commonwealth Coastal and Estuarine Risk issues with CN and seek a long-term solution to
Mitigation Program (CERMP). erosion at Stockton Beach. Other NSW Government
representatives have attended SCLG meetings on
The Taskforce originally chaired by the Deputy an invitation basis, including but not limited to Office
Premier, then Minster for Regional NSW, and finally of Environment and Heritage (now Department of
Minister for the Hunter, was engaged, updated and Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and
consulted on arrangements to transition from Water), Hunter Water Corporation, Department of
implementation, monitoring and maintenance of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure - Crown Lands
mass nourishment in the longer term. and Public Spaces and Port of Newcastle. To date
It provided a forum to engage with key stakeholders over 30 formal meetings have been held. The SCLG
to help understand and develop solutions for have been integral to CN during the development of
Stockton Beach, and was dissolved at the final the Extended Stockton CMP, providing meaningful
meeting held in November 2024 where it was feedback throughout all stages of its development.
announced that a new Stockton Special Advisory
Panel will be established and chaired by State
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp.

Stockton Community Liaison Group site walk, June 2024

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 27

 1.6 Stockton coastal zone

1.6.1 Worimi People

Maiangal Ngurra of the Worimi Nation are the original custodians of the Stockton Peninsula. Worimi Sea
Country contains a diverse combination of waterways and environments which include, oceanic waters,
beaches and headlands, estuarine waters, brackish lakes and river systems. Each of these varied waterways
provide a rich and varied supply of resources for the Maiangal Ngurra which has subsequently led to the
development of a wide range of resource uses and associated activities.

Maiangal Ngurra have maintained cultural connections to this country and environment which are visible
through the Traditional storylines, artworks, dreamtime stories (Willy Price), dances (Pippi dance) and cultural
teachings. Because of this ongoing cultural association, all the Land mentioned, and the environment
contains significant cultural and spiritual values that are sacred to traditional Maiangal Ngurra. Many other
tangible traditional sites that connect with this country include, ceremonial sites (Corroba Oval) Bora rings,
burials, scar trees, and middens (AHIM Fern Bay 1). All these features show the connections that Maiangal
Ngurra have to this area and illustrate an ancient history. Maiangal Ngurra culture is dependent on land
associations and activities as they offer protection for our cultural practices and ensure the continuation of
cultural connections for generations to come.

Like all Aboriginal people, Maiangal Ngurra have traditions and beliefs which govern their way of life. Storylines
dictate that there existed a spiritual power that created life and gave it meaning. This includes the first laws
that governed the way Aboriginal people lived and these remained unchanged for over thousands of years. It
is said that this power stayed to make sure that all living things were living together in harmony, then stepped
back into the sky to watch over the people and creations.

For Maiangal Ngurra, connection to country is a sense of belonging, that integrates the land, the ocean, the
people and culture both in the past, present and future. It’s a shared relationship in which everyone and
everything has a purpose. CN understands and appreciates the importance of acknowledging, valuing and
celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, spirits, spiritual beliefs and culture. We embrace
moving forward together and building a relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based
on mutual respect.

CN has an ongoing commitment to strengthening and maintaining relationships with Maiangal Ngurra as the
traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, to foster mutual respect, knowledge and
understanding.
City of Newcastle

28
 “Image was taken late last year off the beach near the Pines (Hereford Street). I am 3rd Generation Stocktonian and
from the moment I could swim the beach was my life as a child, that’s all we had. I’m proud that my sons are now the 4th
generation to live and breathe the ocean air of the best place on earth!”

God’s country sunrise by Justin Martin - Stockton Photo Competition, open category highly commended.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 29

City of Newcastle

30 Coastal erosion at the northern end of Stockton Beach, August 2024.

1.6.2 Coastal use area 1.6.3 Coastal environment area

As Section 1.5 outlines, consultation has been The coastal environment has been heavily modified
ongoing within the Stockton community for over a within Stockton by historical activities and
decade. Through these activities, CN has identified construction of infrastructure and dwellings. Dune
strong opinions and connection to Stockton Beach, systems remain along the coastline to the north of
that have guided this CMP. Stockton’s sense of the Hunter Water site. These dune systems mainly
identity is strongly connected to the community’s comprise of sand scrub vegetation including Coast
relationship and ability to interact with the beach Banksia (Banksia integrifolia), Coast Tea-Tree
and coastline. A total of 873 people took part in the (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Old Man Banksia
CN ‘Love our Coast’ online community survey. 60% of (Banksia serrata) with the shoreline predominantly
respondents to the survey identified that what they consisting of Beach Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus).
love most about Newcastle’s beaches, is the
beautiful natural environment. The Stockton beach South of the Hunter Water site, the coastal
environment is heavily utilised for both passive and vegetation community is highly modified with urban
active recreation for residents and visitors including parklands and open spaces, dominated by exotic
swimming, fishing, surf lifesaving activities, beach grasses and planted landscape species such as
going and surfing. Fishing off the breakwater is also Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla). Much of
a popular activity. the dune vegetation that had been re-established
east of the Stockton Beach Holiday Park and at Pitt
The ‘Stockton In Your Eyes’ photo competition sought Street Reserve has recently been lost to erosion. The
to capture the community’s voice in how they value extent and condition of vegetation within CN owned
and connect to Stockton Beach. Images showcased and managed properties on Stockton Bight were
swimmers, fishermen, surfers, children, sport, nippers, detailed in the CN Coasts and Estuary Vegetation
friends, pets and vibrant sunrises. Descriptions spoke Management Plan (Umwelt, 2014).
of the joy, solace and tranquillity provided by each
individual’s relationship with the beach and often the CN has undertaken an ecological audit of the beach
subsequent pain at its loss. Over 60 entries were environment (UoN, 2018). This audit included the
received that highlighted the strong relationship Extended Stockton CMP area and will continue to
between the beach and the wellbeing and inform further beach management approvals and
character of the entire community. The ongoing loss activities, such as beach scraping.
of the beach is felt acutely by all levels of the As an early colonial settlement, there are multiple
community and represents a deep-seated ongoing historical shipwrecks along the Stockton Peninsula,
concern. Consultation with local businesses was and some of these sites have recently been exposed
undertaken as part of the economic analysis, which off Stockton Beach (e.g. Durisdeer and Berbice). The
confirmed a high dependency of general retail, North Stockton Breakwater was built over the
accommodation and food and beverage industries remains of at least 11 wrecks (including the Adolphe).
upon the utilisation of the beach. Other historical items are the tank traps associated
Key community assets and popular beach access with the defence of Stockton Beach in World War II,
paths have been impacted by recent erosion events. along with the multiple Royal Australian Army
At present, there are no formal beach access paths amphibious vehicles (LVT4A tanks and DUKWs) are
north of Corroba Oval however, the community located offshore of Stockton Beach (CN, 2020a).
regularly uses the beach and dunes for recreational
activities including fishing and surfing and has
expressed a strong desire for improved future access
throughout this area.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 31

 2. A snapshot
of issues
2.1 Coastal processes and hazard assessment
The Newcastle CMP Scoping Study from 2019 (Supporting Documentation A) and subsequent Stockton Beach
Coastal Erosion Hazard Study (Supporting Documentation C), identified two coastal hazards for Stockton
Beach with high to extreme risk rating:

1. Coastal erosion: This occurs when land is lost to the sea. It can occur over long periods (decades to
centuries), due to a net loss of sand from the beach fluctuation zone1. In the short term (days to months), it
can be worsened by beach erosion when large waves and high-water levels erode the upper beach,
moving sand offshore to nearshore storm bars. After storms, sand moves back onshore, and the upper
beach recovers.

2. Coastal inundation: This happens when oceanographic and atmospheric processes raise coastal water
levels above normal, leading to usually dry land being flooded by sea water. Elevated water levels can also
cause wave run-up and overtopping of natural or built shoreline structures, like dunes and seawalls.

2.1.1 Coastal erosion

Stockton Beach has experienced significant erosion events, leaving foreshore assets at risk and impacting
beach amenity. In 2019 the Minister for Local Government declared Stockton Beach a ‘Significant Open Coast
Location’. Cyclic beach erosion and recovery are not believed to be the underlying cause. Recent erosion has
progressed beyond the extents of historical cycles and an identified trend of long-term sand loss is underlying
the issue. In response to the erosion events, CN has installed a range of temporary (e.g., sandbagging, rock
bag structures) and permanent protection measures in addition to relocating assets like the caravan park
cabins. Figure 4 shows the recent annual expenditure2 on coastal management along approximately 2.4km of
Stockton’s open coast until the end of 2024.
City of Newcastle

1 CM Act defines beach fluctuation zone as ‘the range of natural locations a beach profile occupies from its fully accreted condition to its fully eroded condition,
with a) a landward limit defined by the escarpment resulting from the erosion associated with a 1% storm event or a more extreme event of record, whichever is the
greater landward limit, and b) a seaward limit that is the 40m depth seaward of the highest astronomical tide for the open coast and 10m depth seaward of the
highest astronomical tide for estuaries or tidal coastal lakes.’
2 Excludes the capital costs associated with the SLSC seawall construction in 2017.

32
 Cabins being removed from the caravan park due to beach erosion following a large wave event in February 2020.

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000
Annual Expenditure ($)

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Actual Annual Expenditure Trend

Figure 4. Recent annual expenditure for coastal management at Stockton.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 33

 Coastal management schemes are often expensive and robust scientific knowledge is essential for effective
coastal planning. To fully appreciate the dynamics of the beach system, a ‘sand movement study’ of the
entire Stockton Bight sediment compartment was completed in accordance with the NSW Coastal
Management Act 2016 (Bluecoast, 2020a). The Stockton Beach Sand Movement Study estimated that about
146,000m3 of sand is lost north from Stockton Beach each year3. The main causal mechanism of the long-term
erosion observed at Stockton Beach4 is explained by:

1. The blockage of natural sand supply from the Hunter River entrance and further south due to the impact of
the entrance training breakwaters, artificially deepened navigation channel and on-going maintenance
dredging that when combined represents a physical barrier to natural sand bypassing (see Section 2.2). The
on-going dredging activities result in the cumulative extraction of very large quantities of marine sand from
the coastal sediment compartment as most sand is dumped offshore outside the compartment.

2. The natural net northward movement of sand that, under the action of waves, acts to move sand out of the
southern embayment.

As a result, the coastal erosion at Stockton has proceeded beyond an acceptable natural sandy buffer (i.e.,
the buffer does not provide an acceptable level of coastal protection or beach amenity).

A probabilistic erosion hazard assessment, projecting immediate and future erosion and recession hazard
extents along Stockton Beach including the effects of sea level rise was completed in 2020 and has been
used to inform the Extended Stockton CMP. The approach and adopted input parameters to the probabilistic
modelling are discussed in Stockton Beach Coastal Erosion Hazard Study (Supporting Documentation C). The
results from the probabilistic hazard modelling provide probabilities of exceedance (PoE) for coastal erosion
and recession setbacks for every year in a 100-year planning horizon. As an example, the calculated 1%
annual exceedance probability (AEP) erosion hazard lines for 2018, 2060 and 2120 are presented in Figure 5
(Bluecoast, 2020b).
City of Newcastle

3 On average sand, sourced from the port dredging activities, has been placed at a rate of 34,000m3/yr, resulting in a net sand loss rate of 112,000m3/yr
(Bluecoast, 2020a).
4 Here Stockton Beach is taken to mean southern embayment from breakwater to Fort Wallace and across the full coastal profile from the crest of the dune down
to the closure depth for wave driven sand movements.

34
Figure 5. Stockton Beach coastal erosion hazard.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 35

 “Stockton beach is my backyard, my playground. I go here to play after school and on weekends.”

After school by Cooper Hogan - Stockton Photo Competition, Primary School category highly commended.
City of Newcastle

36
2.1.2 Coastal Inundation

Coastal inundation occurs along the ocean-side of Stockton Beach when elevated ocean water levels and
wave action (i.e., wave run up) leads to overwash of dune systems or overtopping of the coastal structures
(e.g., Mitchell Street seawall). Historically, coastal inundation events have occurred in the 1920’s, 1940’s, 1950’s
and more recently during two coastal storms that occurred in February and July 2020 (Bluecoast, 2020d) as
well as in April 2022.

Coastal inundation at Mitchell Street Stockton, April 2022. Picture supplied by Brian Hunt.

A coastal inundation hazard assessment was completed in 2020 at Stockton Beach and has been used to
inform this CMP. The approach to the coastal inundation modelling is discussed in Supporting Documentation
D. The results provide maps of the calculated 1% AEP coastal inundation extents and depths for the 2020,
2060 and 2120 planning periods, inclusive of sea level rise projections. An example showing the 1% AEP coastal
inundation extent in 2120 is presented in Figure 6 (Bluecoast, 2020d).

Coastal inundation hazards from the combined effect of future erosion have not been modelled. The
continued erosion downdrift of the Mitchell Street seawall, increases the risk of coastal inundation and/or
ocean breaching the peninsula, because of the down sloping topography along this narrow stretch of the
peninsula (i.e., continued coastal erosion lowers the dune crest of coastal barrier elevation as it proceeds).
Without intervention, overwash and/or ocean breaching of the peninsula is at risk of occurring by 20405,
increasing thereafter.

5 Overwash occurs when storms cause ocean water and coastal sediments to flow over the coastal barrier towards the Hunter River. A breach (or break-through)
occurs when the volume of overwash is sufficient to scour a post-storm opening between the ocean and the river. The combined effect of future erosion and
inundation on the risk of overwash and/or breaching has not been specifically assessed. This timeframe is therefore estimated based on information from separately
considered erosion hazards (e.g., see Figure 5) and inundation hazards (e.g., see Figure 6) for Stockton Beach (Bluecoast, 2020b and 2020d). Given the uncertainty it
is considered a conservative estimate.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 37

 2.1.3 The deepwater shipping channel

The deepwater shipping channel that allows vessel movements into Newcastle Harbour is an asset of national
significance. This asset has been developed over a period of over 200 years through investments, mostly
made by the NSW Government, in breakwaters, channel deepening and maintenance dredging. The shipping
channel provides significant benefits to the national economy with about $37 billion worth of trade each year
occurring because of around 2,350 ship visits (around 4,700 ship movements) and 166 million tonnes of cargo
handled by the port annually (Port of Newcastle, 2022). Since 2014, this and other port-related assets have
been leased to the Port of Newcastle, a private company. The Port of Newcastle are currently responsible for
the maintenance of the shipping channel and receive the revenue it generates. Mining royalties are forecast
to deliver the NSW government $13.3 billion over the next four years, mostly from coal exports (NSW Minerals
Council, 2024)6.

The shipping channel also has impacts. The Stockton Beach Sand Movement Study (Bluecoast, 2020a) used
a data-driven approach to establish that the main underlying cause of the long-term loss of sand and
resulting coastal erosion and inundation hazard at Stockton Beach, is the breakwater, channel deepening
and maintenance dredging (i.e., the deepwater shipping channel). The extent of these environmental impacts
were not adequately assessed and addressed during the original planning and approvals process. As a result,
the responsibility and associated costs to remedy their impact has largely fallen on CN as the delegated
Crown Land manager of the strip of foreshore affected, rather than the NSW Government as the owner of the
Harbour infrastructure or operator of the Port.

Coastal erosion at Stockton Beach, August 2024.

City of Newcastle

6 Supported by statement from NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee in June 2024, published on the NSW Mining website.
[Link]

38
Figure 6. Stockton Beach coastal inundation hazard.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 39

 2.2 Initial risk assessment
The CMP Scoping Study (Supporting Document A) completed an initial risk assessment for 160 locations
across the Newcastle coastal zone. Section 9 of the Newcastle CMP Scoping Study provides an assessment
and evaluation of cumulative risks to assets across the Newcastle LGA, with reference to the previous risk
assessment undertaken in the Newcastle Coastal Zone Management Study (BMT WBM, 2014(b)) and
assessment by CN staff. The risk assessment was adapted from the Threat and Risk Assessment Framework
for the NSW Marine Estate (MEMA, 2015) that was applied in the NSW Marine Estate Threat and Risk
Assessment Report (BMT WBM, 2017(b)). The risk assessment considered priority threats from the NSW Marine
Estate Threat and Risk Assessment Report (BMT WBM, 2017(b)) and coastal management issues, as part of the
overall assessment. Threats were classified from minimal to high at three time periods; immediate, 2050 and
2100. The coastal management issues of beach erosion, shoreline recession and coastal inundation were
identified as having higher risk, with invasive species identified as of moderate risk.

2.3 Risk assessment

As part of the risk assessment, the 1%, 10%, 50% and 100% probability of exceedance (PoE) scenarios for
coastal erosion and inundation were considered, for the 2020, 2040, 2060 and 2120 timeframes.

Within each of the 16 scenarios, the resulting impact of erosion and recession to a range of aspects were
considered. A summary of the assets and land affected by recession and erosion is provided in Table 5 and
further detail is provided in the Evaluation Report – Extended Stockton CMP, (Supporting Documentation F).

In addition to coastal erosion, coastal inundation can damage properties and buildings. Estimates are
available for the 1% annual exceedance probability (AEP) coastal inundation hazard (refer Supporting
Documentation F) for each of the periods of time. No floor level data was available, but assuming a typical
floor height of 0.3 metres above ground, Figure 7 provides a summary of the overground and potential
overfloor flooding impacts.

Where existing (permanent) seawalls exist, these were expected to be maintained into the future, hence
providing erosion protection to landward assets. Planned coastal management actions or emergency works
were not considered in this base case risk assessment.

An evaluation of the risk profile of the Stockton suburb was completed as part of Stockton CMP 2020, using
guidance provided by the international risk management standard, ISO 31000 (refer Supporting
Documentation C). For this, the likelihoods of erosion and recession impacts (as above) were combined with
consequences using standard risk consequence categories, as reflected in CN’s risk management framework.
A preliminary consequences assessment using only the financial category, was undertaken due to the
compressed timeframe for the development of the CMP. The current and future financial risk levels at Stockton
Beach had been determined as presented in Table 6. This shows that the present-day risk profile is ‘High’
leading to ‘Extreme’ for future time periods. There is a strong possibility that the present-day risk profile for the
suburb of Stockton would be assessed as ‘Extreme’ if social and environmental values were also considered.

In either case, the Stockton Bight Sand Movement Study (refer Supporting Documentation B) as well as
erosion and recession (refer Supporting Documentation C) and coastal inundation (refer Supporting
Documentation D) hazard assessments confirm that there are public assets at immediate threat requiring
urgent protection, as well as longer term threats to assets.
City of Newcastle

40
Table 5. Assets affected from erosion for the business-as-usual base case.

Year PoE Private Property Council and Non-Private Property

Buildings Land Buildings Land Pavement Shelter Drainage

(no.) (m2) (no.) (m2) (m2) (no.) (m)

2020 50% 0 2,004 1 4,045 132 0 0

10% 0 9,036 17 14,419 1,518 0 0

1% 0 18,333 19 22,286 3,209 0 0

2040 50% 4 20,818 26 34,017 5,775 3 0

10% 10 29,649 30 42,238 8,455 4 0

1% 22 39,078 32 51,277 11,130 4 4

2060 50% 26 39,688 33 55,741 12,065 4 13

10% 37 55,056 36 66,692 14,281 5 29

1% 49 72,935 36 76,239 16,813 5 43

2120 50% 117 144,754 41 131,622 30,775 6 421

10% 179 198,922 43 176,531 38,002 6 553

1% 217 243,905 44 212,332 50,906 7 886

Coastal erosion near Stockton Surf Club and Dalby Oval, July 2022. Picture supplied by Ron Boyd.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 41

 180

160

140
Number of Properties

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
2020 2040 2060 2120

Overfloor (>0.3m) Overground (>0.05m)

Figure 7. Estimated number of properties (including both private and non-private property) impacted by 1% AEP coastal
inundation event.

Table 6. Assessed financial risk profiles at various time frames (refer Supporting Documentation B
Bluecoast, 2020b).

Chance Risk level by year

2020 2040 2060 2120

50% (Likely) High Extreme Extreme Extreme

10% (Unlikely) High High High High

1% (Rare) High High High High

City of Newcastle

42
2.4 Priority management issues
The most significant coastal management issues affecting the Extended Stockton CMP area are outlined in
Table 7. These issues have been consistently identified by coastal processes and hazard assessments (CZMP,
2018; Supporting Documentation B, C, D), risk assessments, the community and in the Newcastle CMP Scoping
Study, (Supporting Documentation A).

Table 7. Overview of key priority issues across the coastal management areas.

Coastal Priority issues

management area

Coastal environment The key environmental asset at Stockton is the beach. If the beach is lost, for
example, by shoreline recession approaching existing or new coastal protection
infrastructure, without ongoing nourishment and allowing the dry beach width to
disappear, many of the environmental benefits derived from the beach are lost,
including natural, social and cultural values.

Coastal use Coastal recession leading to lack of sandy buffer to act as coastal protection, loss
and relocation of foreshore assets, loss of beach amenity, loss of beach access,
exposure of old landfills to coastal hazards and loss of beaches, dunes and
natural features leading to increased exposure of coastal inundation.
Coastal inundation has an immediate threat to public and private assets and
potential safety hazard for people behind the seawalls as well as potential
breaching of the Stockton peninsula as seawater flows towards the Hunter River,
during extreme storms in future planning horizons.
Coastal hazards are adversely affecting the cultural and built environment
heritage, public open space and the surf zone. This has drastically altered the
identity of the suburb.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 43

 3. Selecting the
preferred coastal
management strategy
3.1 Introduction
A long list of potential medium to long-term coastal A fourth management theme (i.e., ‘complementary
management options were identified, which would management’) was considered, which comprises
complement the mass nourishment strategy options that are complementary to the above list
identified in the Stockton CMP 2020. Delivery of mass and do not provide adequate benefits, or are not
nourishment for a stretch of beach from the northern feasible/acceptable on their own. Complementary
breakwater up to a point 800m north of Meredith management actions have been considered for all
Street is therefore common to all management management schemes.
schemes. Mass nourishment acts to restore the
An overview of the process adopted for selecting the
sandy buffer back to what was available at Stockton
preferred coastal management strategy is shown in
Beach in the early 1990’s (approximately 40m
Figure 8. This included two key phases:
average widening of dry beach within the first year
after sand placement). The Stockton CMP 2020 Feasibility assessment (refer Supporting
confirmed that this solution meets CN and the Documentation E) – a coarse filter was applied to
community’s objectives for sustainable management the long list of potential coastal management
of beach amenity and coastal asset protection at options to rule out options that were deemed not
Stockton. A detailed description of the proposed feasible. The most feasible coastal management
mass nourishment using ‘rainbowing’ and bottom options were then selected and combined with the
dumping methods is provided in Supporting mass nourishment strategy to develop a shortlist of
Documentation E and the Stockton sand placement coastal management schemes for the entire CMP
concept design (Bluecoast, 2023a). area.
The additional coastal management options Options evaluation (refer Supporting Documentation
investigated, seek to maintain the sandy buffer and F) – in pursuit of a medium to long-term coastal
provide a longer-term solution via ongoing management strategy, four shortlisted, technically
renourishment campaigns (or sand top-ups) and/or feasible coastal management schemes were
stabilisation by a suitable control structure(s). evaluated, taking into account both economic and
Potential management options are characterised non-economic factors. Significant community and
under three key themes, based on the way they stakeholder consultation was undertaken to inform
address the main causal mechanism underlying the evaluation of the non-economic factors.
Stockton’s beach erosion problem (refer Section 2).
The three key themes for the coastal management
solutions considered are:

• ‘Keep sand moving’

City of Newcastle

• ‘Keep sand in the system’

• ‘Hold the line’.

44
Figure 8. Overview of selection process of preferred coastal management strategy.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 45

 3.2 Shortlisting of coastal management schemes
An overview of the potential coastal management options considered in the shortlisting process is provided in
Table 8. The four most feasible options identified for consideration in the development of adaptive, integrated
and medium to long-term coastal management schemes for Stockton are described in Table 9. The
business-as-usual base case adopted for evaluation of the four schemes is also described in Table 9. The
coastal management schemes have been developed in iterative consultation with government agencies and
community representatives. The identification process along with a description, rationale, performance
assessment, implementation, the basis for cost estimates and adaptability for each of the four schemes is
provided in the Feasibility Assessment for the Extended Stockton CMP, (Supporting Document E).

Table 8. Longlist of potential coastal management options complementing mass nourishment.

Keep sand moving Keep sand in the system Hold the line Complementary
management

Maintenance (ongoing) Groyne field Seawall/ revetment Dune building/

nourishment stabilisation
Groyne (single) Buried terminal
Fixed sand bypass revetment Beach scraping
Artificial headland
system
Asset relocation (public
Offshore breakwater
Modification/ removal assets)
of breakwater(s) Artificial reef
Planned retreat (private
Sand backpassing assets)
(pipeline)
Planning/ development
Sand backpassing controls
(trucking)
Buffer area
City of Newcastle

46
Table 9. Description of base case and shortlisted coastal management schemes.

Scheme Theme Description

0. Base case None Taking into account historical sand placements by the Port of
(Business-as-usual) Newcastle, the historic long-term net sand loss rate was
estimated to be 112,000m3/yr from the southern Stockton
sediment compartment. The base case assumes that currently
unprotected areas will be impacted by the predicted erosion
and coastal inundation hazards. The base case includes the
on-going implementation of emergency works response as
required (e.g., sandbagging, rock bag structures, etc), at specific
locations along the foreshore. The base case used for
comparative evaluation of the below management schemes
has been described in detail in the Evaluation Report for the
Extended CMP (Supporting Documentation F).

1. Mass nourishment Keep sand Mass nourishment to restore the sandy buffer and regular and
with regular sand moving on-going sand top-ups to maintain the buffer. This scheme
top-ups seeks to restore the natural supply of sand to the Stockton
sediment compartment at a rate equivalent to the long-term
net sand loss rate (estimated to be 112,000m3/yr). Sand would
be sourced from outside the active coastal profile in the
Stockton Bight sediment compartment (i.e., it would introduce
new sand into the coastal system).

2. Mass nourishment Keep sand in Mass nourishment and the construction of a rock-armoured
and artificial headland the system artificial headland located at the northern end of the Hunter
Water site. The headland will result in stabilisation of the
shoreline along the former landfill and the narrow stretch of the
peninsula. A 10-yearly renourishment equivalent to an annual
sand volume of approximately 56,000m3/yr would be required
to top up the sandy buffer between the northern breakwater
and Corroba Oval.

3. Mass nourishment Keep sand in Mass nourishment and the construction of an artificial rock reef
and artificial reef the system to the north of the Stockton township to act as a shoreline
control structure. This scheme seeks to increase the longevity of
the nourishment by reducing incoming wave energy and to
locally reduce northerly sand transport rates. The artificial reef
would also deliver surf amenity and habitat creation benefits. A
5-yearly renourishment with an approximate (and preliminary)
annual equivalent of 87,000m3/yr would still be required to be
undertaken between the northern breakwater and Corroba
Oval.

4. Mass nourishment Keep sand in Mass nourishment and the construction of a sand backpassing
and sand backpassing the system system to transport sand from the northern area back, to
specified outlet locations along the Stockton township frontage.
Four ‘Sand Shifter’ sand collection units would be deployed
approximately 500m north of the Hunter Water site to transfer
>100,000m3 of sand each year. This scheme seeks to increase
the longevity of the nourishment by recycling sand in the active
coastal system in the southern part of the Stockton Bight.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 47

 3.3 Economic evaluation

3.3.1 Cost benefit analysis

In accordance with the CM Act and the CM Manual and consideration of the Guidelines for Using
Cost-Benefit Analysis to Assess Coastal Management Options (NSW Government, 2018), a Cost-Benefit
Analysis for Stockton Beach was undertaken to provide an economic analysis of the four shortlisted coastal
management schemes (refer Supporting Documentation F).

The key benefits incorporated within this CBA assessment were in the form of reduced loss of property and
land to both private landowners and CN; reduced coastal protection works and maintenance; and
maintained beach area and associated non-use and use values.

The relative costs and benefits of each scheme in comparison to the base case suggest that all four schemes
result in Benefit Cost Ratios (BCR) over 1, with Scheme 1 having the highest BCR (3.3). Sensitivity testing of
costs, benefit and delay showed that under all scenarios and discount rates tested, the scheme remains
feasible, attesting to the strong feasibility of Scheme 1, as well as that of the other schemes with higher BCRs.

Table 10. Economic appraisal results ($M).

Output metric Scheme 1 Scheme 2 Scheme 3 Scheme 4

PV COST $12.8 $24.2 $21.9 $20.7

PV BENEFIT $41.9 $44.3 $43.8 $41.8

NPV $29.1 $20.1 $21.9 $21.1

BCR 3.3 1.8 2.0 2.0

NPVI 2.0 0.7 0.9 1.2

FYRR 14% 8% 9% 11%

IRR 26% 12% 14% 18%

City of Newcastle

48
3.3.2 Distributional analysis

A distributional analysis was undertaken by reviewing the key beneficiaries of all four schemes. The relative
distribution of benefits is similar for all schemes. The largest beneficiaries of the schemes are beach users (i.e.,
the people of Newcastle and NSW who use and/or value the beach), who, for example, represent 69% of the
total benefit for Scheme 1 (see Figure 9). Aside from the beach user benefit for Scheme 1, 14% of the benefit
can be attributed to private landowners, 6% of benefit is received by Hunter Water through avoided coastal
protection works, 7% can be attributed to avoided impacts to CN managed Crown Land and associated
assets (including holiday park land values) and 4% is attributable as a producer surplus to the holiday park
operators. Other federal and NSW state authorities (e.g., Defence Housing Australia, Department of
Communities and Justice), do receive some additional avoided loss of land values (less than 0.1%) however,
the magnitude of impacts is minor in comparison with other stakeholders.

Defence Housing &

Dept. of Communities
and Justice City of Newcastle
Hunter Water
6% 0% 7%
Holiday Park
4%

Beach Users -
Residents outside
LGA Beach Users -
20% Stockton Residents
35%

Beach Users -
Newcastle LGA
Residents
Private Landowners
14%
14%

Figure 9. Overview of key beneficiaries of Scheme 1.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 49

 3.4 Non-economic evaluation
For the appraisal of the coastal management schemes against non-economic criteria, a multi-criteria
assessment (MCA) was completed (refer Supporting Documentation F). The weighted criteria address the
overall CMP strategy and objects of the CM Act. The MCA allowed incorporation of community and
stakeholder feedback and provides a robust non-economic evaluation of the four schemes.

Consultation used to inform the MCA evaluation included:

• Community and stakeholder submissions, following public exhibition of the draft Stockton CMP 2020.

• Targeted community and stakeholder consultation by CN, as part of the Extended Stockton CMP.

• Worimi LALC, Worimi Conservation Lands and Worimi RAPs discussions.

• Workshops with agency stakeholders/landholders and the SCLG.

• Community (online) survey on the four Extended CMP management schemes between 6th April and 7th May
2021.

An overview of the MCA results and rankings are provided in Figure 10. Based on the non-economic
evaluation, Scheme 1 (mass nourishment and ongoing sand top-ups) and Scheme 3 (mass nourishment and
artificial reef) were recommended for further consideration as the preferred management strategy for
Stockton Beach.

Score Non-economic evaluation

Low High Scheme 1 Scheme 2 Scheme 3 Scheme 4

Mass Nourishment + Sand Top-ups Artificial Headland Artificial Reef Backpassing

Performance [50%]

Environmental criteria [20%]

Social criteria [20%]

Implementation [10%]

Rank (weighted) 1 4 2 3

Figure 10. Overview of MCA results and ranking of coastal management schemes.
City of Newcastle

50
3.5 Evaluation outcome
City of Newcastle selected Scheme 1 – Mass nourishment with regular sand top-ups as its preferred coastal
management strategy to improve beach amenity and protect coastal lands. This decision followed review
and discussion of the information presented in Supporting Documentation F, and with consideration of past
feedback from the agency landholders, SCLG, the broader community, and Worimi representatives.

An overview of the key economic and non-economic evaluation results is provided in Table 11.

Table 11. Overview of economic and non-economic (MCA) evaluation results.

Coastal management scheme Economic (BCR) Non-economic (MCA

score)

Scheme 1 – MN + Sand top-ups 3.3 2.7

Scheme 2 – MN + Artificial headland 1.8 2.0

Scheme 3 – MN + Artificial reef 2.0 2.4

Scheme 4 – MN + Backpassing 2.0 2.1

Note: MN – Mass nourishment, CBA – Cost-benefit analysis, BCR – Benefit-cost ratio, MCA – Multi-criteria assessment

Coastal inundation at Stockton Beach, March 2022.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 51

 4. Actions to be
implemented
4.1 Coastal management strategy

4.1.1 Beach nourishment and sand management activities

The Extended Stockton CMP identifies mass nourishment with regular top-ups (Scheme 1) as the preferred
coastal management strategy to improve beach amenity and protect coastal lands. Figure 11 provides a
simple conceptual diagram of this preferred coastal management strategy. Holisitic and integrated sand
management is at the core of the preferred strategy and includes the following key elements:
City of Newcastle

52
• Amenity sand nourishment: The delivery of sand for amenity nourishment was completed in November 2023 by
Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) and Public Works NSW (NSWPW) with 130,000 cubic metres rainbowed
along the southern end of Stockton Beach to aid in restoring beach margins and buffer widths against further
storms. This will provide short-term relief from shoreline recession in recognition of the longer timeframes to
complete the additional investigations and approvals for mass nourishment.

• Mass nourishment: The aim of mass nourishment is to deliver sufficient sand to Stockton to restore the sandy
beach, returning it to a state that meets the objectives of this CMP. Investigations completed through the
Stockton CMP 2020 suggest this would be achieved through 2.4M m3 of sand volume above the 2018 Coastal
LIDAR survey. This translates into an average increase in beach width of around 40m during typical
environmental conditions (Supporting Document F). By restoring the beach’s sand, mass nourishment will
improve its recreational amenity and protect coastal assets. As discussed below in Section 4.2.2, funding for the
implementation of mass nourishment has been committed and is the responsibility of the NSW Government.

Stockton Beach following amenity nourishment, December 2023.

Picture supplied by Ron Boyd. Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 53
 • Ongoing sand top-ups: Ongoing sand top-ups aim to maintain the restored Stockton Beach by proactively
and regularly topping up the sand that will continue to be lost from Stockton’s beach and dune systems.
Sand loss at Stockton results from the legacy impacts of NSW Government owned infrastructure, namely
the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, and without action to address
these impacts sand losses will continue. Ongoing sand top-ups will therefore be required to artificially
reinstate the natural sand supply (i.e. the sand supply that would occur in the absence of the Newcastle
Harbour infrastructure and the PoN’s maintenance dredging). It is recommended that sand top-ups should
incorporate maximising the beneficial reuse of sandy material from Newcastle Harbour maintenance and
capital dredging, ideally achieved through a collaborative and proactive effort between the NSW
Government and PoN.

• Ongoing monitoring and decision support tool: To clearly identify when the sand buffer is not within the
target range and to inform future sand placement locations and volumes.

• Sand scraping: This utilises the available sand to increase dune volume and maintain existing access points,
by moving sand from the lower part of the sub-aerial (or visible) beach to the upper beach and dunes. CN
has been utilising this technique successfully at Stockton and sand scraping is envisaged to continue to
play a role following delivery of mass nourishment.

Sand scraping in front of the Stockton Holiday Park June 2022.

City of Newcastle

54
 NORTHERLY A
SAND
TRANSPORT

Extended CMP

CMP 2020

MASS NOURISHMENT
(rainbowing & A
bottom dumping)
B

ONGOING SAND
B
PLACEMENT

ONSHORE
ASSETS TO BE
RELOCATED SAND
TRANSPORT

Nourishment Coastal protection works Land management

Existing (long-term)
Existing (temporary)
Planned (temporary)
Adaptive

Figure 11. Conceptual diagram of mass nourishment and sand top-ups scheme, including existing and planned coastal
protection works.

The indicative timing of works and sandy buffer (or beach health) performance over a 30-year period is
shown in Figure 12. Following the delivery of amenity nourishment, mass nourishment quantities of sand should
be delivered to Stockton as a priority, followed by regular sand top-ups. However, a project of this scale
requires detailed planning, investigations, environmental assessments and approvals.

Figure 12. Indicative timing of works and sandy buffer (or beach health) performance over a 30-year period of beach
nourishment.

Note: The bottom bar indicates the state of the sand buffer along Stockton Beach. The base case consists of business as usual, with
continuation of PoN sand placements at the current rate but no new beach nourishment.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 55

 There is current uncertainty as to the best delivery model (i.e. most likely one exercise but could be multiple,
smaller exercises) for mass nourishment. Sand could come from a range of possible sources, namely, offshore,
nearshore, Newcastle Harbour (Area E, South Arm and/or North Arm of the Hunter River), or other opportunistic
sources.

Several initiatives have been completed or are underway to secure and deliver sand for Stockton. These
include offshore sand exploration activities; concept designs and the progression of approvals for sand
placements at Stockton; and a site selection study for offshore sand sources (MEG, 2021; Bluecoast, 2022a;
Bluecoast, 2022b; Bluecoast, 2023a; Bluecoast, 2023b and Bluecoast 2023c).

Following the NSW Government’s June 2023 commitment of $21 million funding for the mass nourishment
component, DCCEEW produced a blueprint for the implementation of the ‘Stockton Beach Repair’ project. A
series of actions will be required before mass nourishment at Stockton can be realised. These are laid out as
phases one to five in the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint, a summary of which is provided below in Figure 13.
The outcomes of further investigations, designs and/or environmental assessments will provide more certainty
and detail to this element of the strategy. This may impact the proposed sequencing and costs of mass
nourishment as set out herein.

Figure 13. Delivery phases of the Stockton Beach Repair project (State of NSW, 2023).
City of Newcastle

56
A funding and delivery framework to support the required sand top-ups has yet to be established. Ongoing
sand placements should be delivered in an integrated manner with a strong preference for the use of local
sand and sustainable sand management. Given the proximity to Newcastle Harbour and the requirement for
ongoing maintenance dredging and/or periodic capital dredging, a strategic alliance with the PoN or other
harbour dredging proponents and the public authority managing the beach nourishment program would
significantly offset costs (RHDHV, 2020). For example, CN is currently completing desktop investigations into
the potential to increase the proportion of the PoN’s maintenance dredging that could be beneficially reused
as sand top-ups at Stockton. If these initial indications are positive, further detailed assessment and
approvals would be required, as would collaboration between all parties. CN has been and will continue to
advocate that Stockton should be given priority access to any suitable material dredged that is generated
by capital works in Newcastle Harbour.

Given the remaining uncertainties and challenges to be overcome, the approach to realising on-going sand
top-ups will need to be flexible and adaptive depending on which future sources of sand are realised. In
addition, monitoring of future beach conditions will be required to better understand Stockton Beach’s sand
needs.

4.1.2 Activities complementary to beach nourishment and sand management

In addition to the key sand management elements, further complementary coastal management actions,
such as dune building and restoration and improvements to beach access, are required following completion
of the mass nourishment. South of Corroba Oval, this will be guided by the development of a Public Domain
Plan that utilises a place-making approach to collectively reimagine and design Stockton’s open coast
foreshore reserve spaces and how they interact with each other and the beach. North of Corroba Oval, in
alignment with the Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy and NSW Coastal Design Guidelines (2023),
improved public pedestrian access must be investigated and identified as part of all future planning
proposals that involve a change to existing planning controls, such as rezoning.

To further safeguard the future exposure of the Stockton Beach Holiday Park to coastal hazards, a Masterplan
will be developed that will incorporate the relocation and renewal of all permanent assets landward of the
2040 hazard line. The Park’s footprint seaward of this hazard line will be dedicated for passive use.

4.1.3 Immediate coastal hazard management

Recognising that the delivery of mass nourishment has significant implementation challenges and long lead
times, the coastal management strategy includes short-term management actions that are integrated with
the longer-term mass nourishment. The key short-term actions include:

Coastal protection structures to address areas at immediate risk:

• Extension of existing seawalls as per Stockton CMP 2020 to protect critical assets such as Mitchell Street.
Since 2020, extensions to the north and south of the Mitchell Street seawall have been completed, with the
alignment and construction methodology of the southern works refined to allow for integration into other
works planned for The Pines (as below).

• Containment of the old land fill under The Pines, using coastal structures with a design life sufficient to
deliver an acceptable level of risk to landward assets over the interim period prior to mass nourishment
(Supporting Documentation E). This will provide the dual benefit of protecting a significant community asset
(The Pines area).

• If threatened by coastal erosion in the short to medium term, Eames Avenue and the sporting facility at
Corroba Oval will be protected. While these areas are not at immediate risk7, this CMP includes interim
coastal protection works, for example rock bags, implemented in an adaptive manner if trigger points are
reached, along these frontages.

7 Probabilistic erosion hazard lines indicate that the probability of exposure of these assets to erosion in 2018 had an Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) of much
less than 1%. By 2040 and for the base case scenario (i.e. no beach nourishment), the AEP of exposure to beach erosion increases to around 10%.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 57

 4.2 Management actions

4.2.1 Overview

In-line with the adopted coastal management strategy, evidence-based management actions have been
identified and developed for a ten-year period. The management actions have been developed to address
the coastal management issues identified in Section 2 and in a strategic manner to facilitate the
co-ordinated management of the Stockton coastline to reflect the numerous roles and responsibilities of the
stakeholders involved, as outlined in Section 3 and Appendix B.

The CM Act requires that a CMP identify responsibility, indicative costs, viable mechanisms and timing of
actions. Table 12 provides an overview of the information that will be provided in addressing these
management actions. Table 13 outlines the management actions to be implemented by CN or by other public
authorities. The key actions are mapped in Figure 14.

Additional information on the development of actions, including an action-by-action evaluation and

alignment with CN’s IP&R framework, is provided in Appendix B.

Funding and the NSW Government public authority responsible for the implementation of seven actions,
namely BN1E, BN1F, BN1G, BN2B (2), BN3B, BN3C and BN5B, has not been confirmed. Based on the coastal
erosion impacts experienced at Stockton Beach as a result of the NSW Government owned breakwater and
deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, and written advice from the NSW Government in
June 2023, CN and the community expect the NSW Government to continue playing the lead role in holistic
beach nourishment by allocating responsibility for these management actions to a NSW Government
public authority.

Table 12. Summary of information provided for each management action.

Column Description of field

heading

Action ID Management actions have been given unique ID’s that begin with one of the letter
combinations:
• BN: actions related to beach nourishment and implementation of the core sand
management activities.
• CH: actions related to implementation of coastal protection works or
complementary coastal hazard management actions.
• CU: actions related to coastal use, such as improving beach access and use of the
foreshore and beach.
• CE: actions related to the coastal environment, including vegetation and stormwater
management, and environmental monitoring.
• H: actions related to cultural heritage, including Aboriginal and maritime heritage.

Management A brief description of the management action is provided.

action

Performance Describes the desired outcome(s) of the management action, providing a target against
target which success can be measured.

Lead agency The lead agency responsible for implementing the action is identified. The lead agency is
the owner of the action.
City of Newcastle

Supporting Supporting partners are those stakeholders who are landowners, or who have an interest
partners in the proposed management action and will be consulted when the management
action is delivered. They don’t have direct implementation responsibility for the action
but may be a financial partner, if indicated.

58
 Timeframe This refers to the timeframes for the implementation of the action as defined in Section
1.4 and summarised as:
• Short-term: current period until delivery of mass nourishment. The delivery of mass
nourishment is expected to occur within 2 to 5 years.
• Medium-term: post-delivery of mass nourishment through to a 30-year period
i.e. 5 to 30 years.
• Long-term: period beyond 30 years.
See page 10 for abbreviations.

Extended
CMP area
continues
north

Approximate
location of
old landfill

Assets to be
relocated
landward

Interim Adaptive
If triggered

Figure 14. Map of key CMP actions.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 59
 Table 13. CMP actions to be implemented.

Item Management action Performance target

Beach nourishment [BN] - Ongoing partnerships and strategies

BN1A Work collaboratively with the Stockton Special Advisory Panel, to Delivery of mass nourishment and sand
deliver the sand nourishment strategy, including the planning, top-ups confirmed. Efficient and effective
approvals, funding mechanisms and delivery options for sand approval pathways for relevant sand sources
supply from offshore or opportunistic sources. identified.
BN1B Advocate that TfNSW request early in the project planning Stockton Beach is identified as a priority
process, that a beneficial reuse hierarchy for the management of location for beneficial reuse investigations for
dredged material prioritises the nourishment of Stockton Beach for all future capital dredging projects within
future capital dredging proposals within Newcastle Harbour. Newcastle Harbour.
BN1C Suitable excess material from capital dredging projects (as and Suitable excess dredged material from all
when such projects are required by Port of Newcastle operations) future capital dredging beneficially reused as
in Newcastle Harbour be prioritised for beneficial reuse as nourishment of Stockton Beach.
nourishment of Stockton Beach.
BN1D PoN to place suitable material from maintenance dredging Placement of sand after dredging campaigns.
activities (as and when such activities are required by PoN
operations) from Newcastle Harbour as nourishment of Stockton
Beach, in accordance with and subject to Stockton nourishment
placement designs, specifications and receipt by PoN of all
required approvals from the public authority leading delivery.

BN1E Investigate the establishment of a framework for funding regular Funding framework identified.
sand top-ups informed by sand volume needs at Stockton Beach
(see BN - Monitoring actions).
BN1F Investigate opportunistic sand sources for nourishment as Nourishment source identified and placement
potential sources become available, with consideration of financial strategy agreed.
viability and existing sand placement designs and approvals.

BN1G Establish sand nourishment governance framework. Agreed sand nourishment governance
framework in place.
Beach Nourishment [BN] - Pre-planning investigations, design and approvals
BN2A Undertake feasibility and design work plus environmental Identification, investigation and environmental
assessments and approvals for identified sand sources in offshore assessment of borrow areas sufficient to
marine areas and the North Arm of the Hunter River. obtain main approvals, permits and licences
for mass nourishment and sand top ups.
BN2B(1) Undertake an initial desktop assessment and consult with relevant Determine the likely value of mixed sediment
stakeholders regarding the benefits of placing mixed sediments placements for nourishment of Stockton
from the maintenance dredging of Newcastle Harbour off Stockton Beach.
Beach.
BN2B(2) Subject to the outcomes of BN2A & BN2B(1), undertake 1. Required approvals for mixed sediment
environmental assessments and seek approval for mixed sediment placements at Stockton submitted.
placements. This may include a trial mixed dredge material
2. If 1. approved, updated environmental
placement at Stockton. If successful, update Stockton nourishment
City of Newcastle

management plans completed.

placement designs and specifications to encompass approved
mixed sediment placements.

60
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Short

CN TfNSW Short

Port of Newcastle CN, DPE, capital Short-

dredging Medium
proponent(s),
TfNSW
Port of Newcastle CN, DCCEEW Short In the absence of PoN receiving all required approvals, PoN
will provide suitable material from maintenance dredging
activities (as and when such activities are required by Port of
Newcastle operations) from Newcastle Harbour, for
placement by third parties as nourishment of Stockton
Beach, in accordance with and subject to Stockton
nourishment placement designs, specifications and
approvals.
NSW Government* CN Short The regular sand top-up quantity will be determined through
a full profile coastal monitoring survey in line with monitoring
actions.
NSW Government* CN Short- This action relates to opportunistic sand sources other than
Medium maintenance or capital dredging from Newcastle Harbour.
For example, this could be from excess sandy material
generated by excavations on land (e.g. basements of
buildings, construction of tunnels) or from other marine/
estuarine sources (e.g. Swansea Channel dredging).
NSW Government* CN Short

DCCEEW CN Short

CN PoN, DCCEEW Short

NSW Government* CN, DAWE, PoN Short

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 61

 Item Management action Performance target

Beach nourishment [BN] - Implementation actions

BN3A Implement beach nourishment, in alignment with the Stockton Mass nourishment works are completed that
Beach Repair Blueprint. meet the objective of restoring the beach,
improving it’s recreational amenity and
providing protection of public assets.
BN3B Subject to the establishment of funding (see BN1E), implement Required sand top-ups implemented such
regular sand top-ups in line with sand volume need based on that sandy buffer volume stays within the
monitoring. target range.
BN3C If a suitable and viable opportunistic sand source becomes Sand from viable and suitable opportunistic
available (may be identified by CN, Panel or other), facilitate sources is placed at Stockton.
delivery of sand nourishment from opportunistic source.
Beach Nourishment [BN] - Dune maintenance actions
BN4A Identify the most efficient sand scraping operation subject to local Sand scraping methodology reviewed and
conditions. updated.

BN4B Conduct beach scraping in areas, north and south of the Mitchell Sand scaping implemented as conditions
Street seawall, in front of Corroba Oval, Dalby Oval and the allow.
Holiday Park, to increase dune volume and maintain existing
access points.
BN4C Undertake dune maintenance program and continue dune Dune maintenance program implemented.
rehabilitation works prior to mass nourishment along the most
vulnerable shorelines. This may include dune shaping, stabilising,
and fencing.
BN4D Post mass nourishment, conduct dune building and stabilisation to Dune building and stabilisation works
reinstate the coastal barrier along the most vulnerable shorelines. completed.
Beach Nourishment [BN] - Monitoring actions
BN5A Undertake monitoring of the October/November 2023 amenity Surveys completed in accordance with PEMP.
nourishment, as required in the CERMP grant scope of works.
BN5B Develop and implement coastal monitoring and decision-support Decision support tool provides operational
system to inform sand and beach management. efficiency and clearly identifies when the sand
buffer is not within the target range.

BN5C Deliver targeted coastal monitoring of mass nourishment through Coastal monitoring program implemented in
the Stockton Beach Repair Project, in alignment with the Stockton accordance with PEMP (as updated from time
Beach Repair Blueprint. to time). Innovation in methodology included.
BN5D Undertake coastal monitoring to trigger protection works and Coastal monitoring implemented.
beach scraping.
*Action to be allocated to NSW Government public authority as per previous written advice from NSW Government in 2023.
City of Newcastle

62
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

DCCEEW CN Short

NSW Government* CN, PoN Medium

(Responsibility to be refined
by the outcome of BN1G)
NSW Government* Short- This action related to all opportunistic sand sources, from
(Responsibility to be refined Medium Newcastle Harbour (e.g. from maintenance and/or capital
by the outcome of BN1G) dredging) or otherwise.

CN HW & Crown Lands Short

as landowners
requiring
consultation
CN HW & Crown Lands Short
as landowners
requiring
consultation
CN, HW Short

CN, HW Medium

DCCEEW CN Short

NSW Government* Port of Newcastle, Short Surveys would cover landward of dune crest (land
(Responsibility to be refined CN component) to depth of closure (underwater component).
by the outcome of BN1G) Decision support system could be based on trigger values/
ranges using full profile/subaerial volumes to cover regular
sand top-up requirements.
DCCEEW CN Short-
Medium

CN Short-
Medium

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 63

 Item Management action Performance target

Coastal assets [CH] - Pre-planning investigations

CH1A Audit coastline and update asset register(s) accordingly, to ensure Asset register updated.
natural and built coastal assets are adequately represented in
service asset planning.
CH1B Incorporate coastal hazards into CN’s service asset planning. Coastal hazards included in service asset
plans.

CH1C Develop a masterplan for the Holiday Park, addressing the Reconfiguration of infrastructure identified
re-location of cabins and the amenities block, the associated within masterplan.
infrastructure changes, and future financial sustainability in
response to coastal hazard exposure, as per Figure 13.
Coastal assets [CH] - design and approvals actions
CH2A Finalise design and documentation of planned protection Design completed.
structures to address immediate risks to critical assets, as per
Figure 13.
CH2B Conduct an environmental assessment and seek associated Environmental assessment completed and
approvals for the protection structures, as outlined in CH2A. associated approvals obtained.

CH2C Undertake condition assessment and design specification for Condition assessment, scope of works and
renewal of the existing SLSC and Mitchell Street seawalls, including tender designs completed.
consideration of adaptation to climate change and ongoing
maintenance.
CH2D Undertake a detailed design and obtain approvals, including Detailed design and approvals completed.
cultural heritage assessments based on the outcomes of the
Holiday Park masterplan (once developed).
CH2E Undertake concept design and obtain approvals for interim Concept design and environmental
protection structure, including cultural heritage assessments, if assessment completed and associated
triggered. approvals obtained.

Coastal assets [CH] - Implementation actions

CH3A Construct interim protection structures to address immediate risks Works completed.
at The Pines frontage.
CH3B Construct interim protection structures to address immediate risks Works completed.
at the northern end of the SLSC seawall.
CH3C Construct interim protection structure to address immediate risks Works completed.
at the southern end of the SLSC seawall.
CH3D Reconfigure and construct infrastructure and building assets within Works completed.
the Holiday Park, that reflect the approved masterplan and
development consent.
CH3E If triggered, construct an interim protection structure to address Works completed if triggered.
coastal erosion along Eames Ave and Corroba Oval.
City of Newcastle

64
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Medium

CN Medium

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short Design would be triggered if the erosion scarp comes within

25m of the seaward edge of the Eames Ave road, or a shore
parallel line adjoining the floodlights on the seaward side of
Corroba Oval.

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short

CN Medium

CN Short Works would be triggered if the erosion scarp comes within

15m of the seaward edge of the road at Eames Ave or a
shore parallel line adjoining the floodlights on the seaward
side of Corroba Oval.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 65

 Item Management action Performance target

Coastal Assets - Maintenance and monitoring actions

CH4A Undertake renewal works to the Mitchell Street seawall as Works completed.
identified in condition assessment report.
CH4B Undertake renewal works to the SLSC seawall as identified in Works completed.
condition assessment report.
CH4C Undertake maintenance of the rock bag protection structure at Works completed.
northern end of Mitchell St seawall.
CH4D Undertake annual inspection of the northern breakwater, as per Visual inspection of rock armour, public
the PoN lease, and assess potential issues from coastal hazards, in pathway and ancillary infrastructure.
relation to infrastructure operated by PoN.
CH4E Undertake pro-active and reactive beach maintenance at Maintenance works are completed, as
stormwater discharge points along the Stockton coastline, prior to required.
and after storm events, to prevent additional erosion and ponding.
CH4F Conduct a seawall condition monitoring program within the All built seawalls inspected and required
Extended Stockton CMP area. actions reported in CN’s works and assets
annually. Every five years these assets are
included in CN’s fair value reporting.
City of Newcastle

66
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Short

CN Short

CN Short

PoN TfNSW Ongoing

CN Ongoing

CN Ongoing

Mitchell Street rock bag structure, June 2024. Picture supplied by Brefni. Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 67
 Item Management action Performance target

Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH] - Management and planning

CH5A Resourcing the integrated delivery of on-ground works as detailed 2 x effective full-time staff engaged.
in this business plan. Integrated delivery of the Extended Stockton
CMP works program.
CH5B Review of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program. Extended Stockton CMP certified and
reviewed.
Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH] - Development controls
CH6A Investigate Coastal Vulnerability Area mapping to inform Investigation complete and mapping
amendment to SEPP or equivalent, including consultation with produced if required.
State Agencies.
CH6B Investigate planning controls for development of lands within the Planning controls to appropriately manage
mapped coastal vulnerability areas, or equivalent, to reflect risk developed.
coastal hazards and avoid increasing future risks.
CH6C Review planning certificates and ensure they are updated in line Planning certificate notification reviewed.
with existing policies and best practice for properties affected by
coastal hazards.
CH6D Consider impacts of coastal hazards when renewing, designing or Incorporation of coastal hazards into project
constructing public assets . design documents.
CH6E New development north of Corroba Oval to be located landward No new development north of Corroba Oval to
of 2120 ZRFC coastal hazard line. be located seaward of the 2120 hazard line.
Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH] - Emergency works
CH7A Undertake emergency works to manage beach erosion before, Emergency response completed and
during and after storm events, in accordance with the Stockton subsequent grant funding applications
Emergency CZEAS Action Subplan in Appendix C lodged.

CH7B Review Emergency Operational Plan after each major event, or Review of Emergency Operational Plan
annually. completed, as required.
Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH] - Knowledge creation/transfer
CH8A Establish an expert panel, including emergency management Expert panel established.
personnel, to advise CN on coastal management matters.
CH8B Update and enhance CN’s website with coastal management CN website updated.
program information, including coastal processes and hazards,
emergency management and on-ground works.
Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH] - Social and community
CH9A Undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to identify, predict Improved understanding of the social impacts
and evaluate the likely social impacts of the Extended Stockton of the Extended Stockton CMP, with responses
CMP, against baseline conditions, and propose proportionate identified and delivered.
project responses.
CH9B Develop and deliver a staged social resilience engagement and Improvement in social indicators of individual
education program with the Stockton community and invested and community wellbeing and resilience.
stakeholders. Informed by the above SIA (CH9A) and a trauma-
informed methodology.
City of Newcastle

68
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Ongoing

CN Medium

CN DPE Short

CN Short

CN Short

CN Ongoing

CN Ongoing

CN NSW SES, Police, Ongoing

Local Emergency
Management
Committee
CN Ongoing

CN Short

CN Ongoing

CN Short

CN Medium

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 69

 Item Management action Performance target

Coastal Use [CU]

Coastal Use [CU] - Beach access - Pre mass nourishment
CU1A Undertake an audit of beach access points to assess and address Audit undertaken and response implemented.
public safety issues and erosion potential after each weather
event.
CU1B Utilise a place-making approach, in the preparation of a Public Public Domain Plan developed and
Domain Plan for the Stockton coastal area. implemented.

CU1C Retain Corroba Oval as a local level facility from a hazard Retain Corroba Oval as a local level facility.
exposure perspective.
CU1D Restrict illegal four wheel drive access from Hunter Water, DHA and Mechanism installed to restrict access.
DCJ land.
Coastal Use [CU] - Post mass sand nourishment
CU1E Undertake investigations into the feasibility of improving beach Plan for improved beach access.
accessibility in the Stockton CMP area.
CU1F Design and construct new access ways, as identified from public Accessways programmed and constructed.
domain planning, including reinstating access over the existing
seawalls post mass nourishment.
CU1G Investigate with the view to provide improved pedestrian beach A master plan that considers the site’s role
access and carparking along the northern boundary of Corroba within the sporting precinct and connections
Oval, through the development of the Corroba Oval Master Plan. to open spaces within Stockton.
CU1H Support public authority landholders with any investigations into Opportunities for improved access along
future ownership and linkages of beachfront land, to enable Stockton Beach identified and created.
continuous public pedestrian access to and along Stockton beach
to the Worimi Conservation Lands.
CU1I Require that landholders north of Corroba Oval identify how public Improved beach assess included as part of
pedestrian access will be provided to the beach within all future redevelopment.
planning proposals.
City of Newcastle

70
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Short

CN Short The Public Domain Plan will build upon the Newcastle
- Medium Coastal Revitalisation Strategy Master Plan and incorporate
recommended planning controls and initiatives, to improve
beach access, once mass nourishment is delivered.
CN Short

Hunter Water, DHA, DCJ Ongoing

CN Medium This may be through beach matting, beach wheelchairs for

hire and other measures.
CN Medium

CN Medium

CN NPWS, Crown Lands Ongoing

and Worimi Lands
Conservation
Board.
CN DHA, HW, DCJ Ongoing

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 71

 Item Management action Performance target

Coastal Environment [CE]

Coastal Environment [CE] - Vegetation management
CE1A Undertake dune vegetation maintenance program and continue Dune maintenance program undertaken.
dune rehabilitation works, in accordance with best practice,
including invasive species control and the replanting of native
colonising species.
CE1B Include landscaping with native provenance species in public Improved ecological value of public spaces
domain works along the coastal section of the Stockton CMP area. and dune health.
CE1C Provide support and assistance to Landcare volunteers. Functioning Landcare group. Improved dune
health.
CE1D Develop a wrack management protocol that applies to Stockton Minimum viable wrack levels maintained to
Beach. support ecosystem functioning.
Coastal Environment [CE] - Contamination management
CE2A Maintain temporary seawall and/or incrementally remove landfill Waste is managed appropriately.
material and other contamination on the former treatment plant
site.
CE2B Identify the extent of the contaminated land at the DCJ site and Waste characteristics/extents determined
determine and implement a management response. and a management response identified and
implemented.
CE2C Conduct on-ground works to manage the historical buried Works are completed.
material along the erosion scar of Stockton Beach.
Coastal Environment [CE] - Stormwater management
CE3A Incorporate best practice stormwater quantity and quality Best practice stormwater quantity and quality
management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) into the management and WSUD are incorporated
design and delivery of capital projects, as well as Public Domain into projects and strategic planning
Plans and master plans. documents.
CE3B Prepare overarching stormwater management plans for critical Identification and prioritisation of key
sub catchments (those in the vicinity of coastal protection stormwater management locations and
structures) that consider whole of catchment management, actions for Stockton.
including drainage asset condition, catchment modelling, and
related low lying land studies.
Coastal Environment [CE] - Environmental monitoring
CE4A Continue to monitor dune health and implement Improved dune health.
recommendations of monitoring program.
CE4B Build capacity for community volunteers to undertake citizen Increased participation in citizen science
science environmental monitoring. programs.
City of Newcastle

72
Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN, HW, DHA, DCJ Short

CN Short

CN Ongoing

CN Short

HW Short Hunter Water advice.

DCJ Short

CN Short

CN Ongoing

CN Medium

CN Ongoing

CN Ongoing

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 73

 Item Management action Performance target

Culture and heritage [H]

H1 Engage with Traditional Custodians on how they would like to be Early and ongoing engagement in line with
involved in the implementation of the sand nourishment strategy the Worimi Engagement Protocols.
and additional CMP actions.
H2 Undertake a holistic Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report completed and utilised to inform future
Report across the Stockton Peninsula, to improve understanding of planning.
the area’s cultural significance and to inform future planning.
H3 Incorporate Aboriginal cultural information and due diligence into Early and ongoing engagement in CN
CN projects and works, including the assessment of development projects, in line with the Worimi Engagement
applications and heritage interpretations. Protocols. Consideration of cultural information
in development applications.
H4 In consultation with Traditional Custodians, investigate and Early and ongoing engagement in CN
appropriately manage remnant Aboriginal heritage materials projects, in line with the Worimi Engagement
discovered on public lands. Protocols.
H5 Build awareness of Aboriginal cultural values and sensitivities within Participation of CN staff in cultural inductions/
CN staff, in relation to coastal management. training/meetings.

H6 Implement dual naming of sites where appropriate. Dual naming implemented, where appropriate.

H7 Support the continuation of cultural practices undertaken by Support for the continuation of cultural
Aboriginal people, including the sharing of those practices with practices undertaken in line with the Worimi
others, in Stockton. Engagement Protocols.

H8 Support Aboriginal Place applications at Stockton. Support supplied for Aboriginal place
applications at Stockton.

H9 Explore opportunities for whale carcass management to Opportunities identified and whale carcass
incorporate Indigenous cultural protocols. management that incorporates Indigenous
cultural protocols implemented.
H10 Explore opportunities for the recognition and interpretation of Opportunities for the recognition and
heritage items and places, including archaeological sites and interpretation of heritage items and places
maritime heritage, in CN projects and works. identified and incorporated into CN projects
and works.
H11 Integrate the consideration of cultural history and heritage Cultural history and heritage considerations
including, heritage items, archaeological sites, historic shipwrecks incorporated into Public Domain Plans.
and other maritime heritage within the Stockton CMP area into
Public Domain Plans.
H12 Investigate and appropriately manage heritage items, Listed heritage items appropriately managed.
archaeological sites and maritime heritage (including underwater
cultural heritage, historic shipwrecks and associated relics) on
public lands, under threat from coastal hazards.
Note: In alignment with Principle 3.1(b) of the adopted Newcastle Heritage Study, the research and publication of cultural knowledge and data is Indigenous-led, ethic
must only be obtained with free, prior and informed consent. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights are respected, with the rights of Aboriginal and
City of Newcastle

74
 Lead agency Supporting Timeframe Action notes
partners (subject to
available funding
and resources)

CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC

CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Traditional Medium
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC

CN Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN, NPWS Traditional Short
Custodians and
Worimi LALC
CN Short

CN Medium

CN Short

cal and responsible, ensuring it has a positive impact on and for Indigenous people. Cultural knowledge gathered from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Torres Strait Islander peoples to own and control their cultural heritage recognised and protected.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 75

 4.2.2 Actions to be implemented by CN or public authorities

Given the root-cause and scale of the coastal erosion problem at Stockton, as well as the NSW Government’s
ownership of coastal land along the northern parts of the Extended CMP area, including the sand
nourishment placement area below the mean high-water mark, it follows that NSW Government public
authorities take the lead on the beach nourishment actions.

This CMP includes a total of 85 management actions. Table 14 provides a breakdown of the number of actions
by category and lead agency.

Table 14. Number of management action by category and lead agency.

Category Number of actions

All CN lead agency Other lead
agency or shared
leadership
Beach nourishment 21 6 15
Coastal assets 19 18 1
Complementary coastal hazards 13 13 0
Coastal use 9 8 1
Coastal environment 11 8 3
Culture and heritage 12 11 1
TOTALS 85 64 21

The CM Act requires that public authorities that are The PoN is not a public authority, but a private
either affected by or have been identified as being company. As lessor of Newcastle’s port area, the PoN
the lead agency for the delivery of an action must plays a key role in sediment management around
agree to those actions. For the Extended Stockton the lower Hunter River and the coastline adjacent to
CMP these public authorities are: the river’s entrance. Formal agreement for lead or
supporting actions has also been sought from PoN.
• DCCEEW (Biodiversity & Conservation Division)
The Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint outlines that
• Hunter Water Corporation
the NSW Government will provide project
• Defence Housing Australia governance, proactive communication and
• Department of Communities and Justice engagement, and a targeted monitoring program
for the duration of the $21 million funding
• National Parks and Wildlife Service commitment over five key phases for the Stockton
• Department of Planning, Housing and Beach Repair Project.
Infrastructure - Crown Lands.

Ahead of the public exhibition period for this CMP, in

principle support was provided by the public
City of Newcastle

authority affected by or identified as the lead

agency for the delivery of an action for most actions.
Formal letters of support, to enable CMP
certification, will be sought from the Minister
responsible for the CM Act post public exhibition.
76
Stockton amenity sand nourishment, October 2023.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 77

City of Newcastle

“Every Sunday I go down to Stockton beach to meet with friends and reflect on the week we have had, albeit good
or bad. After solving problems of the world and plenty of laughs, all is good.”

78 Sunday sanctuary by Fran Lynch - Stockton Photo Competition, open category highly commended.
In principle support was not received for the following actions from DCCEEW as the public authority
responsible for the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint:

• BN1E: Investigate the establishment of a framework for funding regular sand top-ups informed by sand
volume needs at Stockton Beach.

• BN1F: Investigate opportunistic sand sources for nourishment as potential sources become available, with
consideration for financial viability and existing sand placement designs and approvals.

• BN1G: Establish sand nourishment governance framework.

• BN2B(2): Subject to the outcomes of BN2A & BN2B9(1), undertake environmental assessments and seek
approval for mixed sediment placements. This may include a trial mixed dredge material placement at
Stockton. If successful, update Stockton nourishment placement designs and specifications to encompass
approved mixed sediment placements.

• BN3B: Subject to the establishment of funding (see BN1E), implement regular sand top-ups in line with sand
volume need based on monitoring.

• BN3C: If a suitable alternative sand source becomes available (may be identified by CN, Panel or other),
facilitate delivery of sand nourishment from opportunistic suitable source.

• BN5B: Develop and implement coastal monitoring and decision-support system to inform sand and beach
management.

It is CN’s expectation that the NSW Government will nominate a responsible NSW Government public
authority for these actions prior to formal adoption of the CMP to enable its certification under the CM Act,
consistent with written advice in June 2023.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 79

 5. CMP recommended
changes to relevant
planning controls
The Extended Stockton CMP is not proposing any changes to the relevant planning controls or coastal zone
mapping in the State Environment Planning Policy (Hazards and Resilience) 2021. Actions within this CMP will
investigate the merits and scope of a future planning proposal that may map the ‘Coastal Vulnerability Area’
for the Stockton Beach area.

Supporting coastal planning actions are also included in this CMP, aimed at reducing the risk of coastal
erosion at Stockton Beach. These include:

• identify any amendments to development objectives and controls for lands within the coastal planning
areas of Stockton Beach, to reflect coastal hazards and avoid increasing future risks.

• review of planning certificates for properties potentially affected by coastal hazards to check if they contain
appropriate notations for complying development on that land.

• consideration of the coastal hazards and the Extended Stockton CMP when developing plans of
management, public domain plans or other master planning documents.

• consideration of the risk of coastal hazards when reviewing or constructing public assets within the
Extended Stockton CMP area. The location and design of the assets should consider the coastal hazards
outlined in Supporting Documentation C and D.
City of Newcastle

80
6. A Business
Plan
6.1 Value of implementing this CMP
The Extended Stockton CMP is a program of physical works, monitoring and investigations, and planning and
education initiatives that target the coastal hazards and legacy issues impacting the coastline now and into
the future. Actions also address threats to the environmental, social, cultural and economic values of the open
coast.

Investment in this CMP provides an opportunity to restore the condition of the beach, environmental habitats,
cultural spaces and recreational opportunities along Stockton’s open coast, and in doing so, bring benefits to
the public, in particular, mitigating the risks to people and property presented by coastal hazards.

6.2 Distribution of benefit

The actions contained within this business plan primarily mitigate coastal risks to public beneficiaries. As such,
no beneficiary pays models have been allocated to private beneficiaries in the business plan and therefore a
coastal protection service charge would not be activated.

The scope of the completed cost benefit analysis for the medium to long-term coastal management
schemes (refer Section 3.3) is limited and defined by the assumptions adopted within appraisal and the
confines of cost benefit analysis framework.

The only parties that can be included in the analysis are those that receive either a direct or indirect benefit
or cost from the proposed coastal works in comparison to a base case in which the works are not undertaken.
It cannot incorporate external parties that contribute to the root cause of the base case. For example, the
erosion issues of Stockton Beach are driven by the presence of the deepwater shipping channel to Newcastle
Harbour. The costs associated with erosion and inundation hazard at Stockton Beach or the proposed works
cannot be attributed to the beneficiaries associated with the shipping channel (e.g., NSW Government, Port
of Newcastle, associated industries and businesses, river users, etc.) unless they use the beach. This apparent
inequity in the allocation of cost and benefits to the erosion solution at Stockton are relevant to ongoing
funding discussions.

A summary of the key beneficiaries considered in the CBA is presented in Section 3.3.2 (refer to Supporting
Documentation F).

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 81

 6.3 CMP Business Plan
Table 15 provides a summary of the additional information provided in the business plan. Some of the column
headings (action ID, management action, lead agency and supporting partners) are repeated from the
management action table, with these column headings described in Section 4.2.1.

A business plan has been developed for this CMP (Table 16) which outlines the key components of the funding
strategy for the CMP, including the cost of proposed actions, proposed cost-sharing arrangements and other
potential funding mechanisms.

“I live in Stockton and love to surf or try to surf”

Surf day by Poppi Ambler, Stockton Photo Competition, open category highly commended.
City of Newcastle

82
Table 15. Summary of information provided in the CMP Business Plan.

Column heading Description of field

Potential funding CMP actions are expected to be funded through CN and NSW Government
sources contributions and monetary grants. The funding already committed, as well as
various funding sources, is outlined in Section 6.4.

Capital cost Indicative capital cost estimates for the actions (where relevant). Cost estimates for
the complex coastal engineered work have been based on feasibility level designs for
the various works. Costs were based on the best available information and
benchmarked against other similar projects. However, given the level of design
maturity and nature of the cost build-up, the cost estimates should be considered
Class 5, with an accuracy of ±50%. Actual costs will be dependent on engineering
refinement during detailed design and market conditions at the time of tendering
and during construction.
Where the action would only require existing staff time, assets and services, these are
noted as “Internal resources”.

Operational / Indicative operational or maintenance cost estimates for the actions (where relevant).
maintenance cost As with the capital cost estimates, for complex actions, estimates are considered
Class 5. These are provided as either annualised costs (denoted $/yr) or a single
value that covers the CMP period.
Where the action would only require existing staff time, assets and services, these are
noted as “internal resources”.

Total cost over This field provides the sum of capital and operational / maintenance costs over the
CMP Business Plan 10-year CMP Business Plan.
Capital, operational / maintenance and total costs are given in Australian dollars,
(including GST) and are for the year 2024. CPI is not applied to any of the action cost.

CN Based on the known or assumed cost sharing arrangements outlined in ‘Potential

funding sources’ column (and Section 6.4), the total CMP cost has been proportioned
NSW Government
across each of the main funding entities. This includes competitive grant applications.
Federal
Government

Year 1 To assist with scheduling the implementation of actions, an expenditure forecast for
each action (timeline and budget) has been included in these columns.
Years 2 to 5
Years 6 to 10

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 83

 Table 16. The Business Plan.

Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources

ID partners

Beach nourishment [BN] - Ongoing partnerships and strategies

BN1A Work collaboratively with the Stockton Special CN CN
Advisory Panel, to deliver the sand nourishment
strategy, including the planning, approvals,
funding mechanisms and delivery options for sand
supply from offshore or opportunistic sources.
BN1B Advocate that TfNSW request early in the project CN TfNSW CN
planning process, that a beneficial reuse hierarchy
for the management of dredged material
prioritises the nourishment of Stockton Beach for
future capital dredging proposals within
Newcastle Harbour.
BN1C Suitable excess material from capital dredging Port of CN, DCCEEW Port of Newcastle
projects (as and when such projects are required Newcastle capital dredging
by Port of Newcastle operations) in Newcastle proponent(s),
Harbour be prioritised for beneficial reuse as TfNSW
nourishment of Stockton Beach.
BN1D PoN to place suitable material from maintenance Port of CN, DCCEEW Port of Newcastle.
dredging activities (as and when such activities Newcastle and TfNSW Any implementation costs
are required by PoN operations) from Newcastle over and above that of
Harbour as nourishment of Stockton Beach, in alternative material
accordance with and subject to Stockton disposal methods for the
nourishment placement designs, specifications capital dredging project,
and receipt by PoN of all required approvals from would require funding by
the public authority leading delivery. the NSW Government or
other sand receiving entity.

BN1E Investigate the establishment of a framework for NSW CN NSW Government funding
funding regular sand top-ups informed by sand Government* commitment (Stockton
volume needs at Stockton Beach (see BN - Beach Repair Blueprint).
Monitoring actions).

BN1F Investigate opportunistic sand sources for NSW CN NSW Government funding
nourishment as potential sources become Government* commitment (Stockton
available, with consideration of financial viability Beach Repair Blueprint).
and existing sand placement designs and Implementation would
approvals. require ongoing funding
commitment (see BN1E).
BN1G Establish sand nourishment governance NSW CN NSW Government funding
framework. Government* commitment (Stockton
Beach Repair Blueprint).
City of Newcastle

84
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

TOTALS: $31,030,000 $1,458,677 $28,131,000 $1,440,323 $429,000 $25,751,000 $4,850,000

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal PoN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

No No additional $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
additional funding
funding required over
required over existing PoN
existing PoN operational
operational budget.
budget. Maintenance
Maintenance dredging for
dredging for navigational
navigational safety
safety currently
currently conducted
conducted by PoN.
by PoN.
$0 Internal $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

$20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $10,000 $10,000 $0

$0 Internal $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 85

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Beach Nourishment [BN] - Pre-planning investigations, design and approvals

BN2A Undertake feasibility and design work plus DCCEEW CN This action is included in
environmental assessments and approvals for the scope of works under
identified sand sources in offshore marine areas the CERMP, DCCEEW
and the North Arm of the Hunter River. responsibility is limited to
the CERMP scope of works.
BN2B(1) Undertake an initial desktop assessment and CN PoN, DCCEEW CN
consult with relevant stakeholders regarding the
benefits of placing mixed sediments from the
maintenance dredging of Newcastle Harbour off
Stockton Beach.
BN2B(2) Subject to the outcomes of BN2A & BN2B(1), NSW CN, DCCEEW, Cost sharing opportunity
undertake environmental assessments and seek Government* PoN through CERMP and/or
approval for mixed sediment placements. This may PoN.
include a trial mixed dredge material placement
at Stockton. If successful, update Stockton
nourishment placement designs and
specifications to encompass approved mixed
sediment placements.
Beach nourishment [BN] - Implementation actions
BN3A Implement beach nourishment, in alignment with DCCEEW CN NSW Government funding
the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint. commitment (Stockton
Beach Repair Blueprint).
BN3B Subject to the establishment of funding (see BN1E), NSW CN, PoN Requires ongoing funding
implement regular sand top-ups in line with sand Government* commitment (see BN1E).
volume need based on monitoring. (Responsibility
to be refined
by the
outcome of
BN1G)
BN3C If a suitable and viable opportunistic sand source NSW NSW Government funding
becomes available (may be identified by CN, Government* commitment (Stockton
Panel or other), facilitate delivery of sand (Responsibility Beach Repair Blueprint).
nourishment from opportunistic source. to be refined
by the
outcome of
BN1G)
Beach Nourishment [BN] - Dune maintenance actions
BN4A Identify the most efficient sand scraping operation CN HW & Crown CN
subject to local conditions. Lands as
landowners
requiring
consultation
City of Newcastle

86
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$1,600,000 $0 $1,600,000 $387,097 $0 $1,212,903 $0 $1,600,000 $0

$15,000 $0 $15,000 $15,000 $0 $0 $15,000 $0 $0

$500,000 $0 $500,000 $0 $500,000 $0 $0 $500,000 $0

$21,000,000 - $21,000,000 $0 $21,000,000 $0 $0 $21,000,000 $0

- $550,000/yr $3,850,000 $0 $3,850,000 $0 $0 $1,100,000 $2,750,000

(from Year 3
onwards)

$150,000 $0 $150,000 $0 $150,000 $0 $0 $75,000 $75,000

$20,000 $0 $20,000 $20,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $0 $0

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 87

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

BN4B Conduct beach scraping in areas, north and south CN HW & Crown CN, NSW Government
of the Mitchell Street seawall, in front of Corroba Lands as competitive grant funds.
Oval, Dalby Oval and the Holiday Park, to increase landowners
dune volume and maintain existing access points. requiring
consultation

BN4C Undertake dune maintenance program and CN, HW Each landholder is

continue dune rehabilitation works prior to mass responsible for the work on
nourishment along the most vulnerable shorelines. their own land. Allocating
This may include dune shaping, stabilising, and these costs proportionately
fencing. is difficult to estimate, so
costs have been based on
a uniform cost along the
CMP shoreline, equating to
CN (85%); HW (15%). Costs
are subject to annual
funding and resourcing
allocations.
CN to utilise internal
resources and grant
funding for their
component.
BN4D Post mass nourishment, conduct dune building CN, HW Proportional cost to each
and stabilisation to reinstate the coastal barrier landowner is dependent
along the most vulnerable shorelines. on the scope of dune
stabilisation required for
each foreshore area.
Because the most
vulnerable areas are along
the southern most
shoreline, where the dune
has been eroded, the
majority of dune
stabilisation (approx. 80%)
is estimated to be required
on land managed by CN.
The remaining 20% of dune
stabilisation will be on HW
land. CN to utilise internal
resources and grant
funding for their
City of Newcastle

component.

88
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$0 $250,000 $1,250,000 $416,667 $833,333 $0 $250,000 $1,000,000 $0

(annually for
the first 5
years to take
advantage
of
opportunities
as they
present
themselves,
after which it
would be
covered by
BN4D.
- $24,000/yr $120,000 $34,000 $86,000 $0 $24,000 $96,000 $0
(for first 5
years)

$1,800,000 $0 $1,800,000 $480,000 $1,320,000 $0 $0 $0 $1,800,000

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 89

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Beach Nourishment [BN] - monitoring actions

BN5A Undertake monitoring of the October/November DCCEEW CN This action is included in
2023 amenity nourishment, as required in the the scope of works under
CERMP grant scope of works. the Coastal and Estuarine
Risk Mitigation Program
(CERMP), jointly funded by
the Australian Government
($4.7 million) and City of
Newcastle ($1.5 million).
DCCEEW responsibility is
limited to the CERMP
scope of works.

BN5B Develop and implement coastal monitoring and NSW Port of Cost sharing opportunity
decision-support system to inform sand and Government* Newcastle, CN with PoN dredge surveys
beach management. (Responsibility
to be refined
by the
outcome of
BN1G)
BN5C Deliver targeted coastal monitoring of mass DCCEEW CN NSW Government funding
nourishment through the Stockton Beach Repair commitment (Stockton
Project, in alignment with the Stockton Beach Beach Repair Blueprint)
Repair Blueprint.

BN5D Undertake coastal monitoring to trigger protection CN CN, NSW Government

works and beach scraping. competitive grant funds

* Action to be allocated to NSW Government public authority as per previous written advice from NSW Government in 2023.
City of Newcastle

90
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

- $300,000 $300,000 $72,581 $0 $227,419 $100,000 $200,000 $0

(total over
CMP period)

$50,000 $25,000/yr $225,000 $0 $225,000 $0 $0 $100,000 $125,000

(assumed to
be from year
4 onwards)

- $10,000/yr $80,000 $0 $80,000 $0 $0 $30,000 $50,000

(assumed
from year 3
onwards)

$10,000/yr $100,000 $33,333 $66,667 $0 $10,000 $40,000 $50,000

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 91

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Coastal assets [CH] - Pre-planning investigations

CH1A Audit coastline and update asset register(s) CN CN
accordingly, to ensure natural and built coastal
assets are adequately represented in service asset
planning.
CH1B Incorporate coastal hazards into CN’s service CN CN
asset planning.
CH1C Develop a masterplan for the Holiday Park, CN CN
addressing the re-location of cabins and the
amenities block, the associated infrastructure
changes, and future financial sustainability in
response to coastal hazard exposure, as per
Figure 13.
Coastal assets [CH] - Design and approvals actions
CH2A Finalise design and documentation of planned CN CN
protection structures to address immediate risks to
NSW Government
critical assets, as per Figure 13.
competitive grant funds
CH2B Conduct an environmental assessment and seek CN CN
associated approvals for the protection structures,
NSW Government
as outlined in CH2A.
competitive grant funds
CH2C Undertake condition assessment and design CN CN
specification for renewal of the existing SLSC and
Mitchell Street seawalls, including consideration of
adaptation to climate change and ongoing
maintenance.
CH2D Undertake a detailed design and obtain CN CN
approvals, including cultural heritage assessments
based on the outcomes of the Holiday Park
masterplan (once developed).
CH2E Undertake concept design and obtain approvals CN CN, NSW Government
for interim protection structure, including cultural competitive grant funds
heritage assessments, if triggered.
City of Newcastle

92
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

TOTALS: $24,460,000 $15,840,000 $8,620,000 $0 $4,555,000 $18,425,000 $1,480,000

$60,000 $0 $60,000 $60,000 $0 $0 $0 $60,000 $0

$20,000 $0 $20,000 $20,000 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 $0

$150,000 $0 $150,000 $150,000 $0 $0 $0 $150,000 $0

$350,000 $0 $350,000 $116,667 $233,333 $0 $350,000 $0 $0

$300,000 $0 $300,000 $100,000 $200,000 $0 $75,000 $225,000 $0

$160,000 $0 $160,000 $160,000 $0 $0 $80,000 $80,000 $0

$150,000 $0 $150,000 $150,000 $0 $0 $0 $150,000 $0

$150,000 $0 $150,000 $50,000 $100,000 $0 $0 $150,000 $0

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 93

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Coastal assets [CH] - Implementation actions

CH3A Construct interim protection structures to address CN CN, NSW Government
immediate risks at The Pines frontage. competitive grant funds

CH3B Construct interim protection structures to address CN CN

immediate risks at the northern end of the SLSC
seawall.
CH3C Construct interim protection structure to address CN CN, NSW Government
immediate risks at the southern end of the SLSC competitive grant funds
seawall.
CH3D Reconfigure and construct infrastructure and CN CN
building assets within the Holiday Park, that reflect
the approved masterplan and development
consent.
CH3E If triggered, construct an interim protection CN CN, NSW Government
structure to address coastal erosion along Eames competitive grant funds
Ave and Corroba Oval.
Coastal Assets - Maintenance and monitoring actions
CH4A Undertake renewal works to the Mitchell Street CN CN, NSW Government
seawall as identified in condition assessment competitive grant funds
report.
CH4B Undertake renewal works to the SLSC seawall as CN CN, NSW Government
identified in condition assessment report. competitive grant funds
CH4C Undertake maintenance of the rock bag CN CN, NSW Government
protection structure at northern end of Mitchell St competitive grant funds
seawall.
CH4D Undertake annual inspection of the northern PoN TfNSW PoN
breakwater, as per the PoN lease, and assess
potential issues from coastal hazards, in relation to
infrastructure operated by PoN.

CH4E Undertake pro-active and reactive beach CN CN

maintenance at stormwater discharge points
along the Stockton coastline, prior to and after
storm events, to prevent additional erosion and
ponding.
CH4F Conduct a seawall condition monitoring program CN CN
within the Extended Stockton CMP area.
City of Newcastle

94
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$6,100,000 $80,000 $6,180,000 $2,060,000 $4,120,000 $0 $1,830,000 $4,270,000 $80,000

(once over 5
year design
life)
$400,000 $0 $400,000 $400,000 $0 $0 $80,000 $320,000 $0

$850,000 $50,000 $950,000 $316,667 $633,333 $0 $170,000 $730,000 $50,000

(every 5
years)
$2,500,000 $0 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $0 $0 $0 $1,250,000 $1,250,000

$5,000,000 $0 $5,000,000 $1,666,667 $3,333,333 $0 $0 $5,000,000 $0

$7,000,000 $0 $7,000,000 $7,000,000 $0 $0 $1,750,000 $5,250,000 $0

$800,000 $0 $800,000 $800,000 $0 $0 $200,000 $600,000 $0

$0 $90,000 $90,000 $90,000 $0 $0 $0 $90,000 $0

(over life of
CMP)
Internal PoN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
staff
resources, no
additional
funding
required over
existing PoN
operational
budget.
Internal CN Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources resources

$0 $20,000/yr $200,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $80,000 $100,000

(annual over
life of CMP)

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 95

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH]

Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH] - Management and planning
CH5A Resourcing the integrated delivery of on-ground CN CN
works as detailed in this business plan.

CH5B Review of the Extended Stockton Coastal CN CN, NSW Government

Management Program. competitive grant funds
Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH] - Development controls
CH6A Investigate Coastal Vulnerability Area mapping to CN CN, DCCEEW CN, NSW Government
inform amendment to SEPP or equivalent, competitive grants funds
including consultation with State Agencies.
CH6B Investigate planning controls for development of CN CN
lands within the mapped coastal vulnerability
areas, or equivalent, to reflect coastal hazards
and avoid increasing future risks.
CH6C Review planning certificates and ensure they are CN CN
updated in line with existing policies and best
practice for properties affected by coastal
hazards.
CH6D Consider impacts of coastal hazards when CN CN
renewing, designing or constructing public assets.
CH6E New development north of Corroba Oval to be CN CN
located landward of 2120 ZRFC coastal hazard
line.
Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH] - Emergency works
CH7A Undertake emergency works to manage beach CN NSW SES, Police, CN, NSW/Federal
erosion before, during and after storm events, in Local Government competitive
accordance with the Emergency Action Subplan Emergency grant funds
Stockton CZEAS in Appendix C. Management
Committee

CH7B Review Emergency Operational Plan after each CN CN, NSW/Federal

major event, or annually. Government competitive
grant funds
Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH] - Knowledge creation/transfer
CH8A Establish an expert panel, including emergency CN CN
management personnel, to advise CN on coastal
management matters.
CH8B Update and enhance CN’s website with coastal CN CN
management program information, including
coastal processes and hazards, emergency
City of Newcastle

management and on-ground works.

96
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

TOTALS: $3,835,000 $2,948,333 $886,667 $- $475,000 $1,860,000 $1,500,000

$240,000/yr $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $0 $240,000 $960,000 $1,200,000

(annual over
life of CMP)
$250,000 $0 $250,000 $83,333 $166,667 $0 $0 $250,000

$30,000 $0 $30,000 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $0 $0

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources
Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

$1,000,000 $5,000/yr $1,050,000 $350,000 $700,000 $205,000 $820,000 $25,000

(based on (annual
estimates monitoring
from the five budget)
year
average.
$200,000
per annum
for the first 5
years
Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 97

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Complimentary Coastal Hazard Actions [CH] - Social and community

CH9A Undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to CN CN
identify, predict and evaluate the likely social
impacts of the Extended Stockton CMP, against
baseline conditions, and propose proportionate
project responses.
CH9B Develop and deliver a staged social resilience CN CN
engagement and education program with the
Stockton community and invested stakeholders.
Informed by the above SIA (CH9A) and a trauma-
informed methodology.

Coastal Use [CU]

Coastal Use [CU] Beach access - Pre mass sand nourishment
CU1A Undertake an audit of beach access points to CN CN
assess and address public safety issues and
erosion potential after each weather event.

CU1B Utilise a place-making approach, in the CN CN

preparation of a Public Domain Plan for the
Stockton coastal area.
CU1C Retain Corroba Oval as a local level facility from a CN CN
hazard exposure perspective.
CU1D Restrict illegal four wheel drive access from Hunter Hunter Water, Hunter Water, DHA, DCJ
Water, DHA and DCJ land. DHA, DCJ
Coastal Use [CU] Beach access - Post mass sand nourishment
CU1E Undertake investigations into the feasibility of CN DPE CN
improving beach accessibility in the Stockton CMP
NSW Government
area. This may be through beach matting, beach
competitive grant funds
wheelchairs for hire and other measures.
CU1F Design and construct new access ways, as CN DPE CN
identified from public domain planning, including
NSW Government
reinstating access over the existing seawalls post
competitive grant funds
mass nourishment.
CU1G Investigate with the view to provide improved CN DPE CN
pedestrian beach access and carparking along
the northern boundary of Corroba Oval, through
the development of the Corroba Oval Master Plan.
CU1H Support public authority landholders with any CN NPWS, Crown CN
investigations into future ownership and linkages Lands and
of beachfront land, to enable continuous public Worimi Lands
pedestrian access to and along Stockton beach Conservation
to the Worimi Conservation Lands. Board
CU1I Require that landholders north of Corroba Oval CN DHA, HW, DCJ CN
identify how public pedestrian access will be
provided to the beach within all future planning
proposals.
City of Newcastle

98
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$80,000 $0 $80,000 $80,000 $0 $0 $80,000 $0

$25,000 $0 $25,000 $25,000 $0 $0 $0 $25,000

$0 $20,000/yr $200,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $20,000 $80,000 $100,000

(annual cost
over life of
CMP)
$400,000 $0 $400,000 $400,000 $0 $0 $0 $400,000 $0

Internal CN $0 $- $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources
$20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $0

$50,000 $0 $50,000 $16,667 $33,333 $0 $0 $50,000 $0

$795,000 $0 $795,000 $265,000 $530,000 $0 $0 $397,500 $397,500

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 99

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Coastal Environment [CE]

Coastal Environment [CE] - Vegetation management
CE1A Undertake dune vegetation maintenance program CN, HW, DHA, Each landholder is
and continue dune rehabilitation works, in DCJ responsible for the work on
accordance with best practice, including invasive their own land. Allocating
species control and the replanting of native these costs proportionately
colonising species. is difficult to estimate, so
costs have been based on
a uniform cost along the
CMP shoreline, equating to
CN (85%); HW (15%). Costs
are subject to annual
funding and resourcing
allocations. CN to utilise
internal resources and
grant funding for their
component.
CE1B Include landscaping with native provenance CN CN
species in public domain works along the coastal
section of the Stockton CMP area.
CE1C Provide support and assistance to Landcare CN CN
volunteers.

CE1D Develop a wrack management protocol that CN CN

applies to Stockton Beach.
Coastal Environment [CE] - Contamination management
CE2A Maintain temporary seawall and/or incrementally HW HW
remove landfill material and other contamination
on the former treatment plant site.
CE2B Identify the extent of the contaminated land at DCJ DCJ
the DCJ site and determine and implement a
management response.
CE2C Conduct on-ground works to manage the CN CN
historical buried material along the erosion scar of
NSW Government
Stockton Beach.
competitive grant funds
Coastal Environment [CE] - Stormwater management
CE3A Incorporate best practice stormwater quantity CN CN
and quality management and Water Sensitive
Urban Design (WSUD) into the design and delivery
of capital projects, as well as Public Domain Plans
and master plans.
CE3B Prepare overarching stormwater management CN CN
plans for critical sub catchments (those in the
vicinity of coastal protection structures) that
consider whole of catchment management,
including drainage asset condition, catchment
City of Newcastle

modelling, and related low lying land studies.

100
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$0 $70,000 $70,000 $11,667 $58,333 $0 $28,000 $42,000 $0

(over life of
the CMP)

$20,000 $0 $20,000 $20,000 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 $0

$10,000 $2,000/yr $30,000 $30,000 $0 $0 $12,000 $8,000 $10,000

(annually
over the life
of the CMP)
Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

$0 $1,750,000 $1,750,000 $0 $1,750,000 $0 $0 $1,750,000 $0

(over life of
CMP)
$10,000 $0 $10,000 $0 $10,000 $0 $10,000 $0 $0

$60,000 $0 $60,000 $20,000 $40,000 $0 $30,000 $30,000 $0

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

$40,000 $0 $40,000 $40,000 $0 $0 $0 $40,000 $0

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 101

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

Coastal Environment [CE] - Environmental monitoring

CE4A Continue to monitor dune health and implement CN CN
recommendations of monitoring program.

CE4B Build capacity for community volunteers to CN CN

undertake citizen science environmental
NSW Government
monitoring.
competitive grant funds

Culture and heritage [H]

H1 Engage with Traditional Custodians on how they CN Traditional CN
would like to be involved in the implementation of Custodians and
the sand nourishment strategy and additional Worimi LALC
CMP actions.
H2 Undertake a holistic Aboriginal Cultural Heritage CN Traditional CN
Assessment Report across the Stockton Peninsula, Custodians and
to improve understanding of the area’s cultural Worimi LALC
significance and to inform future planning.
H3 Incorporate Aboriginal cultural information and CN Traditional CN
due diligence into CN projects and works, Custodians and
including the assessment of development Worimi LALC
applications and heritage interpretations.
H4 In consultation with Traditional Custodians, CN Traditional CN
investigate and appropriately manage remnant Custodians and
Aboriginal heritage materials discovered on public Worimi LALC
lands.
H5 Build awareness of Aboriginal cultural values and CN Traditional CN
sensitivities within CN staff, in relation to coastal Custodians and
management. Worimi LALC
H6 Implement dual naming of sites where CN Traditional CN
appropriate. Custodians and
Worimi LALC
H7 Support the continuation of cultural practices CN Traditional CN
undertaken by Aboriginal people, including the Custodians and
sharing of those practices with others, in Stockton. Worimi LALC

H8 Support Aboriginal Place applications at Stockton. CN Traditional CN

Custodians and
Worimi LALC
H9 Explore opportunities for whale carcass CN, NPWS Traditional CN / NPWS
management to incorporate Indigenous cultural Custodians and
protocols. Worimi LALC
H10 Explore opportunities for the recognition and CN CN
interpretation of heritage items and places,
including archaeological sites and maritime
heritage, in CN projects and works..
City of Newcastle

102
Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

$0 $5,000/yr $50,000 $50,000 $0 $0 $5,000 $20,000 $25,000

(annually
over life of
CMP)
Internal CN $25,000 $25,000 $8,333 $16,667 $0 $0 $25,000 $0
resources (over life of
CMP)

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

$55,000 $0 $55,000 $55,000 $0 $0 $55,000

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $0 $0 $5,000 $20,000 $25,000

resources (over life of
CMP)
Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN / $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
NPWS
resources
Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 103

 Action Management action Lead agency Supporting Potential funding sources
ID partners

H11 Integrate the consideration of cultural history and CN CN

heritage including, heritage items, archaeological
sites, historic shipwrecks and other maritime
heritage within the Stockton CMP area into Public
Domain Plans.
H12 Investigate and appropriately manage heritage CN CN
items, archaeological sites and maritime heritage
(including underwater cultural heritage, historic
shipwrecks and associated relics) on public lands,
under threat from coastal hazards.
Note: In alignment with Principle 3.1(b) of the adopted Newcastle Heritage Study, the research and publication of cultural knowledge and data is Indigenous-led, ethic
must only be obtained with free, prior and informed consent. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights are respected, with the rights of Aboriginal and
Note 2 - CPI has not been included and projected costs will need to be refined at detailed design stage.
City of Newcastle

104
 Capital cost Operational/ Total cost Cost sharing Year 1 Years Years
maintenance over CMP CN State Federal 2 to 5 6 to 10
costs business (Council) government government
(forecast) (forecast)
plan (including HW)

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

Internal CN $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
resources

cal and responsible, ensuring it has a positive impact on and for Indigenous people. Cultural knowledge gathered from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Torres Strait Islander peoples to own and control their cultural heritage recognised and protected.

Beach scraping at Stockton Beach, May 2022. Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 105
 6.4 Funding sources
Delivery of this CMP is estimated to cost $62.95 million (2024 dollars) over 10 years. The breakdown of these
costings and the potential cost sharing arrangements are outlined in Table 17.

Table 17. Total CMP Costs.

Costs Cost sharing Forecast

Years Years
Category
2 to 5 6 to 10
NSW Federal Year 1 (forecast (forecast
Total CN Government Government (estimate) estimate) estimate)

Beach
Nourishment $31,030,000 $1,458,677 $28,131,000 $1,440,323 $429,000 $25,751,000 $4,850,000

Coastal Assets $24,460,000 $15,840,000 $8,620,000 $- $4,555,000 $18,425,000 $1,480,000

Complementary
Hazard $3,835,000 $2,948,333 $886,667 $- $475,000 $1,860,000 $1,500,000

Coastal Use $1,465,000 $881,667 $583,333 $- $40,000 $927,500 $497,500

Coastal
Environment $2,055,000 $180,000 $1,875,000 $- $85,000 $1,935,000 $35,000

Culture &
Heritage $105,000 $105,000 $- $- $5,000 $75,000 $25,000

TOTALS $62,950,000 $21,413,677 $40,096,000 $1,440,323 $5,589,000 $48,973,500 $8,387,500

City of Newcastle

106
Based upon the timeframes for actions and cost estimates, $5.6M is required in Year 1, with an estimated cost
forecast of $49M in Year 2 to 5 (inclusive), and an estimated $8.4M required over Year 6 to 10 of the program. It
should be noted that it is difficult to definitively forecast costs for projects that are yet to undergo detailed
design. Costs have not been indexed and projected costs will need to be refined at the detailed design
stage. The estimated cost to CN to implement the CMP over 10 years is $21.42M.

Funding for management actions may be gained from various sources, including CN internal funds,
competitive NSW or Federal Government grant programs and local stakeholders. Confirmed and potential
funding sources may include:

• CERMP jointly funded by the Australian Government ($4.7M) and City of Newcastle ($1.5M), delivery of which
is the responsibility of DCCEEW.

• Part A involved the provision of amenity nourishment completed in November 2023

• Parts B and C involves the progression of feasibility and design work, plus environmental assessments
and approvals, for identified sand sources from the north arm of the Hunter River (Part B) and offshore
marine areas (Part C), to support both mass nourishment and sand top up quantities to meet the larger,
longer-term requirements to offset underlying losses and forecasted sea level rise.

• $21 million, 2023 NSW Government funding commitment for the delivery of mass nourishment as outlined in
the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint.

• CN revenue generated by ordinary rate income and associated with the operation of the Stockton Beach
Holiday Park.

• Competitive NSW Government funding mechanisms, including Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

• Competitive Federal Government funding mechanisms.

• Contributions from land developers and owners on the northern section of Stockton Beach.

Moreover, as noted in Section 6.2, beneficiaries of the deepwater shipping channel may be able to realise
financial gains, by integrating their current entrance management practices with proposed Stockton Beach
management options and in doing so, could form part of the ongoing funding strategy for the CMP (refer
Supporting Documentation E).

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 107

 6.5 Management action approvals 6.6 Outstanding issues and risks
and considerations
Despite advances and improved knowledge gained
Some of the coastal management actions in the through the preparation of the Stockton CMP 2020
Extended Stockton CMP require approvals or and the Extended Stockton CMP, as well as on other
authorisation from relevant landowners, or related investigations, there remain several variables
stakeholders with interest in the land, where the and unknowns that may influence the
management action is proposed. Where relevant, implementation of the preferred coastal
this support was obtained from relevant stakeholders management strategy. For example:
through extensive consultation.
• the actual costs of some elements of the preferred
As per existing management practices, approvals scheme, may be higher or lower than anticipated.
and assessments or authorisations under various Sand may be delivered to Stockton through
legislative instruments may be required and will be processes outside of the CMP, at little to no cost
obtained prior to commencement of the (e.g., increased beneficial reuse of harbour
management action. This includes, but is not limited sediments, through maintenance dredging
to, assessments of European and Aboriginal heritage, practices by PoN or port development projects
environmental impacts and navigation. The location resulting in major capital dredging that delivers
and suitability of future public access north of sand to Stockton).
Corroba Oval will depend on the land use and safety • proposed sand volumes to achieve coastal
and security considerations as well as any approvals protection and amenity needs may be
or permits/licences that may be required. overestimated/ underestimated.
Crown Reserve 79066, with a reserve purpose of • project funding cannot be secured to cover the full
public recreation, port facilities and services cost of the required on-going sand top-ups or
(gazetted on 9 November 1956), runs along the open some of the other complementary actions.
coastline of the Extended Stockton CMP area. Where
management actions are proposed on Crown Land,
as per Section 4.2, relevant authorisations and
approvals may need to be obtained under the NSW
Crown Land Management Act 2016. Management
actions undertaken on Crown Land will also need to
consider Aboriginal Land Claims lodged under the
NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. All
management actions will need to be compliant with
the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth). The
Extended Stockton CMP has been developed in
consultation with representatives of Worimi and
Maiangal Ngurra and consultation will continue
throughout its implementation.
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108
At the current level of development (i.e., strategic) this is considered normal for a project of the nature set out
in the preferred coastal management strategy (Scheme 1). Undertakings of this nature are complex and
require careful planning. Flexibility must be designed into the implementation strategy, to account for
variables and unknowns. In developing the implementation strategy for the preferred scheme, consideration
will be given to:

• Relevant work that has been undertaken outside the Extended Stockton CMP including but not limited to:

• the extensive sand sourcing investigations that have recently or are currently being undertaken including
the Hunter River Area E, South Arm, North Arm and Stockton offshore sand exploration project and,

• the sand placement concept design for Stockton Beach nourishment. For example, the sand placement
concept design report (Bluecoast, 2023b) provides a sensitivity analysis to a range of beach nourishment
volumes in terms of predicted beach width and level of coastal protection outcomes for a period of up to
10-years post-nourishment. Key results are provided in Supporting Documentation F.

• Environmental assessments and approvals currently being progressed for sand placements at Stockton
Beach.

Improving beach and foreshore access has been addressed in this CMP by seeking to include this requirement
in future developments planned across the northern coastline. This situation will require monitoring and may
become a focus of future CMPs.

Rock bag structure at Northern end of Stockton Beach, June 2022

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 109

 7. Coastal Zone
Emergency Action
Subplan
The CM Act identifies specific emergency management considerations associated with beach erosion,
coastal inundation and cliff instability. The CM Act (section 15(1)(e)) outlines that a Coastal Zone Emergency
Action Subplan (CZEAS) must be included in a CMP if the local council’s LGA contains land within the CVA, and
if beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability is occurring on that land.

Currently, no CVA map for Stockton, in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience
and Hazards) 2021, has been adopted and therefore no CVA has been identified. However, it is recognised
that Stockton Beach has been impacted by coastal erosion on numerous occasions and it is considered
appropriate to develop a CZEAS for this location.

Mandatory requirements for a CMP, including the preparation of a CZEAS where required, have been
identified in Part A of the Coastal Management Manual (OEH, 2018). Further direction on the preparation of a
CZEAS is provided in the “Guideline for preparing a coastal zone emergency action subplan” (DPIE 2019). The
Stockton CZEAS Appendix C has been developed in accordance with this manual and guideline.

The purpose of the Stockton CZEAS is to outline the roles and responsibilities of all public authorities (including
CN) in response to emergencies immediately preceding or during periods of beach erosion or coastal
inundation, where the beach erosion or coastal inundation occurs through ocean storm activity or an extreme
or irregular ocean event.

The CZEAS is an accompanying document to the CN Local Emergency Management Plan 2019 (Newcastle
EMPLAN), which sets out the responsibilities of combat agencies, including the NSW Police, CN, NSW
Ambulance Service, NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and others, in
response to emergency situations.

The Extended Stockton CZEAS replaces the Stockton CMP 2020’s Appendix A CZEAS (south of Meredith Street)
and Part B, Appendix D of the Newcastle CZMP (2018) (north of Meredith Street). The Newcastle Coastline
South of the Harbour Coastal Erosion Emergency Action Subplan remains in force.
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110
8. Monitoring,
evaluation and
reporting program
8.1 MER actions
Monitoring evaluation and reporting (MER) related actions have also been developed and form a key
component of this CMP. The MER related management actions are designed to monitor, evaluate and report
on specific components of the adopted coastal management strategy. These MER actions have been
integrated into the CMPs management action table. For each MER related management action, a description
of the action, lead and supporting organisations, performance targets, indicative timeframes and triggers has
been provided. Furthermore, the CMP Business Plan provides indicative costs, funding sources, cost-sharing
arrangements and an expenditure forecast for each of the MER related management actions.

The MER related management actions found in Table 13 and Table 16 are:

• BN5A - Undertake monitoring for the October/November 2023 amenity nourishment, as required in the
CERMP grant scope of works.

• BN5B - Develop and implement coastal monitoring and decision-support system to inform sand and beach
management.

• BN5C - Targeted coastal monitoring of mass nourishment delivered through the Stockton Beach Repair
Project, in alignment with the Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint.

• BN5D - Coastal monitoring to trigger protection works and beach scraping.

• CH4D - Undertake annual inspection of Northern Breakwater as per the PON lease and assess potential
issues from coastal hazards, in relation to infrastructure operated by PoN.

• CH4F - Seawall condition monitoring program within the Extended Stockton CMP area.

• CH9A - Undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to identify, predict and evaluate likely social impacts
against baseline conditions of the Stockton CMP and propose proportionate project responses.

• CH9B - Develop and deliver a staged social resilience engagement and education program with the
Stockton community and invested stakeholders. Informed by above SIA (CH9A) and trauma-informed
methodology.

• CH7B – Review Emergency Operational Plan after each major event or annually.

• CE4A - Continue to monitor dune health and implement recommendations of monitoring program.

Table 18 provides a summary of key MER related management actions and their intended use in tracking the
implementation of this CMPs coastal management strategy, as part of Stage 5 of the CMP.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 111

 Table 18. Summary of key MER related management actions and their intended use in tracking this CMPs implement

Strategy component MER Detailed description

actions

Stockton’s sandy BN5A • BN5A is coastal monitoring to inform the performance of the amenity nourishment
buffer exercise and in doing so inform the development of detailed mass nourishment
BN5B
Is to be restored and design and approvals. The detailed monitoring actions are set out in the PEMP
BN5C (Bluecoast, 2023).
maintained to provide
amenity and coastal • BN5B monitoring is intended to inform both mass nourishment and on-going sand
protection outcomes. top-ups. The decision-support tool is aimed at informing sand top-ups. It is to be
developed by the nourishment co-ordinator and comprise of an automated
analysis package that is designed to ensure that the monitoring data is effectively
transformed into information that can be used to support sand management
decisions (e.g. the quantity of sand top-ups required over the next 2-years) in the
context of beach conditions and climate outlooks (e.g. El Nino Southern Oscillation
forecast).
• BN5C is DCCEEW led monitoring focused on mass nourishment as further
developed from their Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint.

Interim coastal BN5D • The Stockton CMP 2020 contained erosion-based triggers for interim adaptive risk
protection works mitigation strategies such as temporary structures, managed retreat or
CH4F
opportunistic sand nourishment works. In subsequent years, observed erosion
exceeded these triggers. CN have therefore proceeded with the design, approvals
and implementation of temporary protection structures (e.g. the Barrie Crescent
rock bag seawall). An action to contain the old landfill under The Pines (CH 3A) is
included in this CMP).
• A notable remaining adaptive interim coastal protection structure yet to be
triggered is at Eames Ave and Corroba Oval (refer to actions CH2E and CH3E).

Social resilience CH9A • A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is to be undertaken to improve understanding of
the social impacts of the Stockton coastal zone changes, with possible mitigation
CH9B
and enhancement measures identified.  
• Informed by the SIA, a staged social resilience engagement and education
program with the Stockton community, will be completed to improve social
indicators for individual and community wellbeing and resilience.

Note: 1. Key indicators and how they are measured will be developed as part of the detailed design and planning investigations prior to the implementation of the ma
2. Like key indicators, triggers for sand top-ups will be delivered via the design and planning investigations required to realise sand top-ups.  
City of Newcastle

112
tation (Stage 5).

Key indicators1 Triggers2

• Beach volume is intended as the primary indicator. It is • Mass nourishment was triggered some time ago and
suggested that beach volume be calculated as the should be completed as soon as practically possible.
volume of sand relative to the 2018 Coastal LIDAR survey • Investigations completed for this CMP suggest, 2.4M m3
between: above 2018 level is an appropriate restorative mass
• Reference baseline landward of dune crest and the nourishment quantity (Bluecoast, 2020c).  
-14m AHD depth contour. • Sand top-ups, as envisaged in this CMP, are intended to
• Northern breakwater and Fort Wallace. maintain the sandy buffer on an ongoing basis (i.e. it is a
• Beach widths measured as the distance between an proactive approach and not trigger based). However, if a
agreed top of beach baseline and the observed MSL more reactive approach was adopted, the restorative
shoreline. nourishment quantity could be used to guide the triggers
for sand top-ups (e.g. beach volume at Stockton drops
below 80% of the restorative quantity or say below
1.9M m2 (relative to 2018)).

• The ‘erosion scarp’ is the key indicator. The erosion scarp • The design and approvals required for the Eames Ave and
(or erosion escarpment) is a natural feature delineating Corroba Oval protection works would be triggered if the
the landward extent of beach erosion. For planning or erosion scarp comes within 25m of the seaward edge of
setback triggers, the top of the erosion escarpment in its the road at Eames Ave or a shore parallel line adjoining
most landward position should be used. the floodlights on the seaward side of Corroba Oval (see
CH2E).
• The construction of these works would be triggered if the
erosion scarp comes within 15m of the seaward edge of
Eames Ave or a shore parallel line adjoining the floodlights
on the seaward side of Corroba Oval (CH3E).

• Social indicators for individual and community wellbeing

and resilience will be developed as part of the SIA.

ass nourishment project or for operations like on-going sand top-ups. This table therefore contains suggestions for consideration is those future undertakings.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 113

 8.2 General MER of this CMP
In addition to the specific MER related management actions, this CMP includes general measures to ensure
that the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all management actions measure the performance of the
CMP over a ten-year period.

To monitor, evaluate and report on the outcomes of this CMP, CN or other lead agencies, must maintain
sufficient information and records to demonstrate how all actions have been implemented, and what has
been achieved in connection with the Extended Stockton CMP. To support this process, performance targets
have been identified for each management action. This includes whether coastal management actions have
been carried out within the timeframes identified in the Extended Stockton CMP.

This CMP and all progressed actions should be reviewed to ensure the actions remain relevant and the
implementation of the CMP is being achieved, through the achievement of performance targets. Where
performance targets have not been achieved, then remedial actions may be required.

The management actions intended on supporting general MER efforts include:  

• CH5A - Resourcing the integrated delivery of on-ground works as detailed in this business plan. The
performance target for this action is two full-time Council staff engaged to support the delivery of this CMP.

• CH5B - Review of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program.

City of Newcastle

Rock bag construction. Picture supplied by Ron Boyd.

114
 Newcastle 2040
Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR)
What is IPR?
8.3 Integration with CN’s IP&R framework
IPR requirements for local government were introduced in 2009. They arose from the notion that all council
planning shouldPlanning
The Integrated originateand
from a sound (IP&R)
Reporting understanding
framework, of as
theshown
community’s expectations
in Figure around
15 is a legislative priorities for
requirement
and service levels. The IPR framework comprises a series of interrelated documents that
councils under the NSW Local Government Act 1993. IP&R considers the longer-term future of an areaprovide a consistent,
and is
integrated
based around a Community Strategic Plan which reflects the community’s aspirations and needs for the with
approach to community planning across all NSW local councils, while also ensuring alignment
regional
future. and state priorities.

In accordance with the CM Act, the Extended Stockton CMP needs to align with CN’s IP&R Framework. This
Why is IPR important?
aims to mainstream and integrate coastal management into CN’s overall service delivery and asset
CN operates inresponsibilities,
management an increasinglytocomplex environment, with
improve implementation of responsibilities under more
the Extended Stockton than 50 different pieces
CMP.  
of legislation and direct relationships with over 20 NSW and Commonwealth Government agencies. The IPR
framework
IP&R requires allows CN to navigate
the preparation these complexities
of a delivery program that in a meaningful
sets and purposeful
out a four-year way, and
plan to achieve theto:
objectives of
the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan (CN, 2022) and supporting strategies. Table 2 outlines the
Integrate communityofpriorities
relevant objectives Newcastleinto2040
strategies and plans
that apply to the Extended Stockton CMP. The business plan in
Section 6 outlines how the management actions
Support our community and stakeholders to play an active within therole
Extended Stockton
in shaping CMPofwill
the future meet
their the objectives
community
and strategies of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan. The Extended Stockton CMP business plan
Articulate the community’s vision and priorities
(refer Section 6) should be reviewed on an annual basis. The business plan reflects the expected cost of the
Assign
Extendedresourcing to CMP
Stockton support
overdelivery of ourfinancial
the coming vision and priorities,
year while also
and details balancing and
the resourcing aspirations with affordability
financing
arrangements
Maintain to meet these
accountability costs, including
and transparency the contribution
through from successful
regular monitoring grant funding applications to
and reporting.
undertake specific actions, and any contribution required from CN or other stakeholders.

Our IPR framework

Continuous monitoring and review

Community Strategic Plan
Community Engagement Strategy

Community Strategic Plan

Community Strategic Plan 1

Informing and supporting strategies

Long-Term Financial
Plan • Workforce
Delivery Program • Operational Plan Development Strategic
Plan • Asset Management
Strategy and Plans
City of Newcastle

Reporting to our community

Performance Reports • Annual Report • State of our City Report

Figure 15. The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework.

24

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 115

City of Newcastle

116 Stockton amenity sand nourishment, October 2023. Picture supplied by NSW Government.
9. Maps
The following section contains a series of mapping layers presenting an overview of sand movements in the
Stockton Bight as well as modelled coastal erosion and recession hazard extents and coastal inundation
hazard extents for the Extended Stockton CMP area.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 117

 Stockton North

Stockton South

Figure 11: Hazard lines for the erosion hazard in year 2020.
City of Newcastle

15

118
 Stockton North

Stockton South

Figure 12: Hazard lines for the erosion hazard in year 2040.

16

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 119

 Stockton North

Stockton South

Figure 13: Hazard lines for the erosion hazard in year 2060.
City of Newcastle

17

120
 Stockton North

Stockton South

Figure 14: Hazard lines for the erosion hazard in year 2120.

18

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 121

 5.1 Present day (2020)
City of Newcastle

Figure 11: Coastal inundation hazard for 1%AEP in 2020 (immediate).

Stockton Beach – Coastal Inundation 8 December 2021 22 of 31

122
5.2 2040 planning period

Figure 12: Coastal inundation hazard for 1%AEP in 2040 (0.13m SLR).

Stockton Beach – Coastal Inundation 8 December 2021 23 of 31

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 123

 5.3 2060 planning period
City of Newcastle

Figure 13: Coastal inundation hazard for 1%AEP in 2060 (0.30m SLR).

Stockton Beach – Coastal Inundation 8 December 2021 24 of 31

124
5.4 2120 planning period

Figure 14: Coastal inundation hazard for 1%AEP in 2120 (1.33m SLR).

Stockton Beach – Coastal Inundation 8 December 2021 25 of 31

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 125

 10. Reference list
Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2020a. Stockton Bight Sand Movement Study. Report prepared
for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2020b. Stockton Beach Coastal Erosion Hazard Assessment.
Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2020c. Cost benefit analysis for Stockton Beach coastal
management program. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2020d. Stockton Beach Coastal Inundation Assessment.
Addendum to Stockton Beach Coastal Erosion Hazard Assessment. Technical Note prepared for City of
Newcastle. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2022a. Beneficial reuse of South Arm dredged material. Report
prepared for HCCDC & City of Newcastle. Version 4.00, issued 29 September 2022.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2022b. Addendum to South Arm Report: Feasibility of Area E as a
borrow site for beach nourishment. Memo prepared for HCCDC & City of Newcastle. Version 3.00, issued 6
October 2022.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2023a. Sand placement concept design - Stockton Beach
nourishment. Report prepared for HCCDC & City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2023b. Stockton Beach Nourishment. Review of Environmental
Factors for sand placement. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast Consulting Engineers [Bluecoast], 2023c. Stockton Beach Nourishment. Project Environmental
Management Plan. Sand placements for the nourishment of Stockton Beach. Report prepared for City of
Newcastle.

BMT WBM, 2012. Newcastle City-wide Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. Report prepared for City
of Newcastle.

BMT WBM, 2014. Newcastle coastal zone hazard study, final report. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

BMT WBM, 2016. DHA Stockton Rifle Range Stockton Beach Coastal Engineering Assessment. Report prepared
for Department of Housing Australia.

Douglas Partners, 2022. Preliminary Assessment of Fill Materials Stockton Beach Erosion Management Off
Hereford Street, Stockton. Report prepared for Newcastle City Council.

Environment Protection Agency, 2020. Former Corroba Landfill, Stockton NSW. Letter addressed to City of
Newcastle dated 6 April 2020.

Ganic, E., 2020. Managing coastal erosion at Jimmys Beach. [Link]

video-managing-coastal-erosion-at-jimmys-beach/.

City of Gold Coast, 2013. Operation of the Noosa Sand Recycling System. [Link]
City of Newcastle

com/:b:/s/Projects/EX4dsRdACcVMpMnLRlaF75cBVqmqHrV03eSxEIRqvXbzOg?e=Ho1GTj.

City of Newcastle [CN], 2019a. Newcastle Coastal Management Program Scoping Study. Report prepared by
City of Newcastle.

126
City of Newcastle [CN] 2020a. Stockton Coastal Management Program. Final document dated August 2020.

City of Newcastle [CN], 2022. Newcastle 2024. Community Strategic Plan. [Link]
council/our-responsibilities/newcastle-2040.

City of Townsville, 2021. Official website – [Link]

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment [DPIE], 2019. Guideline for preparing a coastal zone
emergency action subplan.

DHI, 2006. Stockton Beach Coastal Processes Study: Stage 1 – Sediment Transport Analysis and Description
of On-going Processes. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

DHI, 2009. Stockton Coastline Management Study: Coastal Zone Management Study Report. Report
prepared for City of Newcastle.

Mining, Exploration and Geoscience [MEG] 2021. Stockton offshore sand exploration project. Report published
by Regional NSW. Department reference number: DOC21/1050036.

Muller, J., Wust, R. and Hearty, P., 2005. Sediment transport along an artificial shoreline: “The Strand”,
Townsville, NE-Queensland, Australia. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 66, pp. 204-210.

NCCARF, 2017. What is a pathways approach to adaptation? (14/04/2021; [Link]).

Noosa Council, 2018. Asset Management Plan: Noosa Main Beach Sand Recycling System. [Link]
[Link]/downloads/file/464/2018-04-10-s-o-agenda-attachment-1-to-item-6-sand-recycling-
system-asset-management-plan-pdf.

NSW Government, 2018. Guidelines for Using Cost-Benefit Analysis to Assess Coastal Management Options.
Office of Environment and Heritage.

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), 2018. Our Future on the coast - NSW Coastal Management
Manual.

Port Stephens Council [PSC] and City of Newcastle [CN] 2020 Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy.

Reeves Envico, 2020: Jimmy’s Beach Sand Transfer Station. [Link]

RHDHV, 2020. Addendum A - RHDHV input information for a Cost Benefit Analysis for Stockton Beach.
Technical note prepared for City of Newcastle.

RHDHV, 2022. Stockton Beach Terminal Protection Structures Feasibility Study and Concept Design Report.
Report prepared for Newcastle City Council.

RHDHV, 2023. Stockton Terminal Protection – Site 3 Extent Assessment. Technical note. Technical note
prepared for Newcastle City Council.

Sunshine Coast Council, 2011. Work starts Monday on Noosa’s new sand shifter. [Link]
[Link]/sitecore/content/Global-Content/News/Media-News/Work-starts-Monday-on-Noosas-new-
sand-shifter.

Stockton CLG, 2021. Community proposal for Coastal Planning – Hunter Water Lands. Presentation to CLG by
Ron Boyd.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 127

 University of Newcastle [UoN], 2018. Ecological Audit of the Beach Environment, Newcastle. Report prepared
by UoN.

Umwelt, 2002. Shifting sands at Stockton Beach. Report prepared for Newcastle City Council.

Umwelt, 2014. Coast and Estuary Vegetation Management Plan. Report prepared for the City of Newcastle.

Umwelt, 2020. Fern Bay Rifle Range – Preliminary Documentation Report. Report prepared for Defence
Housing Australia.

Warwich Daily News, 2012. Ready to raise the sand bar. [Link]
pumped-and-ready-to-raise-the-sand-bar/1276727/.

WorleyParsons, 2012 Stockton Beach Sand Scoping and Funding Feasibility Study. Report prepared for City of
Newcastle.

Mitchell Street seawall construction. Picture supplied by Brefni.

City of Newcastle

128
11. Glossary
Acceptable risk – a risk that, following an Beach profile (or coastal profile) – a cross-section
understanding of the likelihood and consequences, is taken perpendicular to a given beach contour; the
sufficiently low to require no new treatments or profile may include the face of a dune or seawall,
actions to reduce risk further. Individuals and society extend over the backshore, across the foreshore, and
can live with this risk without feeling the necessity to seaward underwater into the nearshore zone.
reduce risks further. Positive and negative risks are
Beach scraping – also referred to as ‘nature assisted
negligible or so small that no risk treatments are
beach enhancement’ (NABE) is a mechanical
needed.
intervention to speed up the natural processes of
Accretion – the build-up of sediments to form land berm and foredune recovery after a storm event.
or shoaling in coastal waters or waterways.
Beach slope – the gradient at which the beach
Alongshore or Longshore – parallel to and near the slopes seaward.
shoreline.
Bedrock – a general term for the rock, usually solid,
Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) – the that underlies soil or other unconsolidated,
probability as a percentage at which a given event superficial material.
is likely to occur in one year.
Beneficial reuse – placement or use of dredged
Asset – something of value and may be material for some productive purpose. May involve
environmental, economic, social, recreational or a either the use of the dredged material or the
piece of built infrastructure. placement site as the integral component of the use.

Australian Height Datum (AHD) – the official national Berm – on a beach, a nearly horizontal plateau on
vertical datum for Australia. the beach face or backshore, formed by the
deposition of beach material by wave action or by
Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) – the average or means of a mechanical plant as part of a beach
expected value of the periods between renourishment scheme. Some natural beaches have
exceedances of a given intensity event over a given no berm, others have several.
duration.
Built assets – built infrastructure.
Bathymetric data – measurements of the shape of
the bed or the depth of a body of water. Bypassing, sand – hydraulic or mechanical
movement of sand from the accreting up–drift side
Beach fluctuation zone – CM Act defines beach to the eroding down-drift side of an inlet or harbour
fluctuation zone as ‘the range of natural locations a entrance. The hydraulic movement may include
beach profile occupies from its fully accreted natural movement as well as movement caused by
condition to its fully eroded condition, with a humans.
landward limit defined by the escarpment resulting
from the erosion associated with a 1% storm event or Closure depth – generally considered the seaward
a more extreme event of record, whichever is the limit of littoral transport (collected over several years).
greater landward limit, and a seaward limit that is
Coastal barrier – a barrier between the sea and
the 40m depth seaward of the highest astronomical
other land or landforms or river/lake/lagoon
tide for the open coast and 10m depth seaward of
(generically used herein for natural dunes or
the highest astronomical tide for estuaries or tidal
man-made structures).
coastal lakes.’

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 129

 Coastal environment area – land identified in the Coastal wetland – wetlands are areas that are
CM Act as land containing coastal features such as inundated cyclically, intermittently or permanently
coastal waters of the State, estuaries, coastal lakes, with fresh, brackish or saline water and have soils,
coastal lagoons and land adjoining those features, plants and animals in them that are adapted to, and
including headlands and rock platforms. The SEPP depend on, moist conditions for at least part of their
(Resilience and Hazards) maps the extent of the lifecycle. Coastal wetlands include marshes,
coastal environment area for planning purposes. mangroves, swamps, melaleuca forests, casuarina
forests, sedgelands, brackish and freshwater swamps
Coastal inundation – coastal inundation occurs and wet meadows.
when a combination of marine and atmospheric
processes raises the water level at the coast above Coastal zone – as defined in the CM Act and SEPP
normal elevations, causing land that is usually ‘dry’ to (Resilience and Hazards): the area of land comprised
become inundated by sea water. Alternatively, the of the following coastal management areas: the
elevated water level may result in wave runup and coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest area, the
overtopping of natural or built shoreline structures coastal vulnerability area, the coastal environment
(e.g., dunes, seawalls). area and the coastal use area.

Coastal lake or lagoon – a coastal water body that Consequence – the outcome or impact of a hazard
is generally closed off from the sea by a sandy or threat.
barrier. Water levels and water quality may be quite
Damage (to seawalls) – defined as any
different to the nearby ocean.
displacement or dislodgement of armour units.
Coastal management program (CMP) – a long-term
Digital elevation model (DEM) – gridded elevation
strategy for the coordinated management of land
data to represent terrain.
within the coastal zone, prepared and adopted
under Part 3 of the CM Act. Dune ridge – shore-parallel sand ridge that forms
part of a dune system.
Coastal sediment compartment – an area of the
coast defined by its sediment flows and landforms. East Coast Low – an intense low-pressure system
Coastal sediment compartments may be mapped that occurs off the east coast of Australia, bringing
at primary, secondary or tertiary (local) scales. storms, high waves and heavy rain. East coast lows
Boundaries are generally defined by structural generally occur in autumn and winter off NSW,
features related to the geologic frameworks that southern Queensland and eastern Victoria.
define the planform of the coast.
Economic evaluation – an assessment that helps
Coastal threat – a process or activity that is putting decision-makers to understand the socioeconomic
pressure on or impacting on the health or function of implications of adopting alternative management
a coastal ecosystem, or on the amenity and social or options and to make choices that will provide net
cultural value of the coastal landscape. Examples benefits to the community. Cost-benefit analysis is a
include the discharge of effluent or poor-quality type of economic evaluation that considers and
stormwater into coastal lakes and lagoons, evaluates a wide range of costs and benefits
discharges from acid sulfate soils, or the spread of associated with a proposal, in qualitative or
invasive species. High recreational demand can also quantitative (monetary) terms (with future costs and
be a threat to coastal ecosystem health. benefits reduced to today’s prices), compared with a
base case.
Coastal use area – land identified by the CM Act
and SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) as being land Elevated still water levels – ocean water level raised
adjacent to coastal waters, estuaries, coastal lakes due to a storm surge.
and lagoons where development is or may be
carried out (now or in the future). El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) – a year to year
fluctuation in atmospheric pressure, ocean
Coastal vulnerability area – defined in the CM Act temperatures and rainfall associated with El Niño
City of Newcastle

as land subject to seven coastal hazards. (warming of the oceans in the equatorial eastern
and central Pacific). El Niño tends to bring below
average rainfall.

130
Erosion – the wearing away of land by the action of King tides – any high water level that is well above
natural forces. On a beach, the carrying away of the average, commonly applied to two spring tides
beach material by wave action, tidal currents, littoral that are the highest for the year, one during summer
currents, or by deflation. and one in winter.

Estuary – CM Act defines as any part of a river, lake, LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote
lagoon, or coastal creek whose level is periodically or sensing method that uses light in the form of a
intermittently affected by coastal tides, up to the pulsed laser to measure ranges.
highest astronomical tide.
Littoral – of or pertaining to a shore, especially of the
Geomorphology – that branch of physical sea. Often used as a general term for the coastal
geography which deals with the form of the earth, zone influenced by wave action, or, more specifically,
the general configuration of its surface, the the shore zone between the high and low water
distribution of the land, water, etc.; or the marks.
investigation of the history of geologic changes
Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) – the lowest levels
through the interpretation of topographic forms.
which can be predicted to occur under average
Geotextile – a synthetic fabric which may be woven meteorological conditions.
or non–woven and used as a filter.
Maintenance dredging – the recurrent dredging of
Hydrodynamic – relates to the specific scientific sediment from a waterway, including existing
principles that deal with the motion of fluids and the navigation channels, approaches and berths, to
forces acting on solid bodies immersed in fluids, and allow safe navigation by commercial or recreational
in motion relative to them. boating traffic.

Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) – the highest level Mean High Water Neaps (MHWN) – the height of
which can be predicted to occur under average mean high water neaps is the average throughout a
meteorological conditions. year of the heights of two successive high waters
during those periods of 24 hours (approximately
Holocene – an epoch of the Quaternary period, from once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is least.
the end of the Pleistocene, about 8,000 years ago,
to the present time. Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) – the height of
mean high water springs is the average throughout
Incipient dune – the most seaward and immature a year of the heights of two successive high waters
dune of the dune system. Vegetation characterised during those periods of 24 hours (approximately
by grasses such as spinifex. On an accreting once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is
coastline, the incipient dune will develop into a greatest.
foredune.
Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN) - the height of
Infiltration – the process at which water is absorbed mean low water neaps is the average throughout a
into the ground. year of the heights of two successive low waters
Intermittently closed and open lakes and lagoons during those periods of 24 hours (approximately
(ICOLL) – coastal lakes and lagoons where the once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is least.
entrance may be closed to the sea from time to time Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) – the height of
and for varying periods, by accretion of a berm. mean low water springs is the average throughout a
Inundation – flooding of land area. year of the heights of two successive low waters
during those periods of 24 hours (approximately
IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is
greatest.
Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) – an irregular
interdecadal sea surface temperature in the Pacific Mean Sea Level (MSL) – the average level of the sea
Ocean that modulates the strength and frequency over longer periods of time.
of the El Niño Southern Oscillation.
Morphological response – change in beach shape/
Joint probability – the probability of two events slope due to an event.
occurring at the same time.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 131

 Multi-criteria analysis – a logical and structured Revetment or seawall – a type of coastal protection
decision-making tool for complex problems involving work which protects assets from coastal erosion by
multiple factors or criteria, where a consensus is armouring the shore with erosion–resistant material.
difficult to achieve. It may involve processes such as Large rocks/boulders, concrete or other materials
ranking, rating (with relative or ordinal scales) or (such as geotextile sand containers) are used,
pairwise comparisons. The process allows depending on the specific design requirements.
participants to consider, discuss and test complex
RCP – Representative Concentration Pathway is a
trade-offs among alternatives.
greenhouse gas concentration trajectory adopted
Natural assets – the natural beach, dunes, and by the IPCC.
vegetation.
Residual risk – the risk which remains after managing
Numerical modelling – computer software modelling and reducing risks. It may include for example, risks
used to simulate coastal processes. due to very severe storms or from unexpected
hazards.
Overtopping – the process of water passing over a
hard coastal structure such as seawall. Resilience – the ability of a system (human or
natural) to adapt to changing conditions (including
Overwash – the process of water passing over a hazards or threats, variability and extremes), and
dune. rapidly recover from disruption due to emergencies.
Pleistocene – the geological epoch that lasted from Resilient systems or communities have the capacity
c. 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago, spanning the to ‘bounce back’ after a disrupting event such as a
Earth’s most recent period of repeated glaciations. major storm or an extended heat wave, to moderate
First epoch of the Quaternary period, between the potential damages, take advantage of
Pliocene and Holocene epochs. opportunities, maintain or restore function or to cope
with the consequences.
Probabilistic hazard assessment – a risk-based
approach to managing coastal hazard that takes Rip – a narrow, strong shore normal current in the
uncertainty into account by considering both the nearshore area of most wave-dominated beaches
likelihood and consequence of hazard occurrence. It (i.e. most beaches along the open coast of NSW).
applies a stochastic simulation to evaluate coastal They are fed by along shore feeder currents initiated
processes. The technique uses a distribution of by the deflection of waves at the shoreline. There are
values for each parameter to account for expected diverse types of rip on NSW beaches and they affect
variation, or uncertainty, rather than single values. beach safety.
Parameters are then combined by a monte-carlo Riparian – pertaining to the banks of a body of
technique to produce a probabilistic forecast of water, such as an estuary.
future hazard extents.
Sand budget – quantitative analysis of the
Quaternary – current and most recent of the three movement and distribution of sediment (or sand)
periods of the Cenozoic Era in the geologic time within a coastal region. Accounts for the sources of
scale of the International Commission on sand, such as erosion from coastal cliffs, discharge
Stratigraphy. It follows the Neogene Period and from rivers or onshore sand supply, and the processes
spans from 2.58 million years ago to the present. that transport it, such as wave action or longshore
Recession – a continuing landward movement of the sand movements. The coastal sand budget also
shoreline; or a net landward movement of the includes the sinks or locations where sand is
shoreline over a specified time. deposited, such as on the beach or in a coastal
lagoon.
Refraction – the process by which the direction of a
wave moving in shallow water at an angle to the Scour – loss of beach/sediment at the toe of a hard
contours is changed. The part of the wave structure or dune.
advancing in shallower water moves more slowly Sediment transport – the process whereby sediment
City of Newcastle

than that part still advancing in deeper water, is moved offshore, onshore or along shore by wave,
causing the wave crest to bend toward alignment current or wind action.
with the underwater contours; or the bending of
wave crests by currents.

132
Semi-diurnal tide – two high and two low tides a Training walls – walls constructed at the entrances
day. of estuaries and rivers to improve navigability.

Sensitivity – the degree to which a built, natural or Trigger – pre-negotiated decision-making points
human system is directly or indirectly affected by and commitments, so that action on coastal risks is
changes in hazards, threats or climate conditions. taken when necessary, and when it is most
convenient and affordable for the affected
Significant wave height – the average height of the community.
largest 1/3rd of waves in a given period.
Tropical cyclone – intense low-pressure system in
Southern Oscillation Index – the normalised mean which winds of at least 63km/hour whirl in a
atmospheric pressure difference between Tahiti and clockwise direction, in the southern hemisphere
Darwin, measured at sea level. The SOI is negative around a region of calm air.
during El Niño and positive during La Niña.
Unacceptable risk – a risk that, following an
Stakeholder – a person or organisation with an understanding of the likelihood and consequences, is
interest or concern in something. so high that it requires actions to avoid or reduce the
Storm surge – the abnormal rise in sea level during a risk. Individuals and society will not accept this risk
storm, measured as the height of the water above and measures should be put in place to reduce risks
the normal predicted astronomical tide. to at least a tolerable level.

Sustainable management – develops and Vulnerability – a function of exposure and sensitivity

implements proposals that meet the needs of of assets to a hazard, which determines the potential
present communities without compromising the impacts of the hazard. For instance, the vulnerability
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. of coastal assets may be influenced by the extent
and impact of environmental, social and economic
Swell waves – ocean waves that travel beyond the factors such as saline contamination of soils from
area where they are generated. flooding, erosion of built-up and natural areas, loss
of vegetation, disruption to use, or access, or
Tidal delta – where an inlet of a barrier estuary or
continuity of service, or loss of amenity, corrosion of
open coastal lake is dominated by tidal processes, a
built structures, undermining of foundations or
flood tide delta develops inside the entrance, as
damage to contents. Vulnerability also considers the
tidal currents transport marine sand into the estuary.
adaptive capacity which is the capacity to adapt or
Ebb tide deltas may also occur, outside the mouth of
the resilience in the system to manage the impacts
an estuary.
and changes.
Tidal plane – a plane of reference for elevations,
Wave climate – the seasonal and annual distribution
determined from the rise and fall of the tides.
of wave height, period and direction.
Tidal limit – the maximum upstream location on a
Wave runup - the maximum vertical extent of wave
watercourse at which a tidal variation in water level
uprush on a beach or structure above the still water
is observed.
level (SWL).
Toe – the ‘bottom’ or ‘front’ of a hard structure.
Wave setup - occurs as waves approach the coast
Tolerable risk – a risk that, following an and transform over the nearshore beach profile
understanding of the likelihood and consequences, is where radiation stresses and ultimately wave
low enough to allow the exposure to continue, and breaking force elevated water levels at the shoreline.
at the same time high enough to require new
Wind waves (or sea) – ocean waves resulting from
treatments or actions to reduce risk. Society can live
the action of the wind on the surface of the water.
with this risk but believe that as much as is
reasonably practical should be done to reduce the WRB – Waverider Buoy used to measure ocean
risks further. Note that individuals may find this risk wave conditions.
unacceptable and choose to take their own steps,
within reason, to make this risk acceptable. Residual
risks are considered tolerable only if risk reduction is
impractical.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 133

 Appendix A
Letters
of support
City of Newcastle

134
 The CM Act requires that public authorities that are either affected by or have been identified as being the
lead agency for the delivery of an action must agree to those actions. Formal letters of support from all
action owners will be requested and included once the document is finalised.
City of Newcastle

135
Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 136
 Appendix B
Evaluation of
management
actions
City of Newcastle

137
 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Coastal vulnerability area [CVA] - Beach nourishment [BN]
Beach nourishment [BN] - ongoing partnerships and strategies
BN1A Work collaboratively with the No Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
Stockton Special Advisory with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
Panel, to deliver the sand J noted nourishment.
nourishment strategy, including
2c) Medium term objective -
the planning, approvals,
Mitigate impact of coastal
funding mechanisms and
hazards on public and private
delivery options for sand
infrastructure.
supply from offshore or
opportunistic sources. 3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
BN1B Advocate that TfNSW request Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
early in the project planning with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
process, that a beneficial reuse J noted nourishment.
hierarchy for the management
2c) Medium term objective -
of dredged material prioritises
Mitigate impact of coastal
the nourishment of Stockton
hazards on public and private
Beach for future capital
infrastructure.
dredging proposals within
Newcastle Harbour. 3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
BN1C Suitable excess material from Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
capital dredging projects (as with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
and when such projects are J noted nourishment.
required by Port of Newcastle
2c) Medium term objective -
operations) in Newcastle
Mitigate impact of coastal
Harbour be prioritised for
hazards on public and private
beneficial reuse as
infrastructure.
nourishment of Stockton
Beach. 3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
BN1D PoN to place suitable material Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
from maintenance dredging with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
activities (as and when such A noted nourishment.
activities are required by PoN
2c) Medium term objective -
operations) from Newcastle
Mitigate impact of coastal
Harbour as nourishment of
hazards on public and private
Stockton Beach, in accordance
infrastructure.
with and subject to Stockton
nourishment placement 3e) Medium term objective -
designs, specifications and Improve beach amenity.
receipt by PoN of all required
approvals from the public
City of Newcastle

authority leading delivery.

138
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - collaboration in this Yes - no unacceptable Yes - CN and the Panel Newcastle 2040 Plan
manner is practical to impacts noted. have already have had a
1.1.1 Great spaces
implement. productive relationship that
can yield further results. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - see formal Yes - minimal impact as Yes - this source has the Newcastle 2040 Plan
acceptance letter in these cases sand is capacity to aid supply of
1.1.1 Great spaces
being dredged anyway. beach nourishment at
Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - see formal Yes - minimal impact as Yes - this source has the Newcastle 2040 Plan
acceptance letter in these cases sand is capacity to aid supply of
1.1.1 Great spaces
being dredged anyways. beach nourishment at
Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - practical for PoN to Yes - minimal impact as Yes - this source has the Newcastle 2040 Plan
place sand at Stockton in these cases sand is capacity to aid supply of
1.1.1 Great spaces
rather than taking offshore being dredged anyways. beach nourishment at
once sand placement Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
design and approvals are
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
complete.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 139

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
BN1E Investigate the establishment Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
of a framework for funding with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
regular sand top-ups informed D noted nourishment.
by sand volume needs at
2c) Medium term objective -
Stockton Beach (see BN
Mitigate impact of coastal
monitoring actions).
hazards on public and private
infrastructure.
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
BN1F Investigate opportunistic sand Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
sources for nourishment as with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
potential sources become J noted nourishment.
available, with consideration of
2c) Medium term objective -
financial viability and existing
Mitigate impact of coastal
sand placement designs and
hazards on public and private
approvals.
infrastructure.
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
BN1G Establish sand nourishment Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
governance framework. with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
J noted nourishment.
2c) Medium term objective -
Mitigate impact of coastal
hazards on public and private
infrastructure.
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity.
Beach Nourishment [BN] - Pre-planning investigations, design and approvals
BN2A Undertake feasibility and Yes Yes - aligns No 2b) Short term objective -
design work plus environmental with Object misalignment Complete planning for the delivery
assessments and approvals for A noted of mass nourishment.
identified sand sources in
offshore marine areas and the
North Arm of the Hunter River.
City of Newcastle

140
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - A funding commitment Yes - an initial funding Yes - a funding commitment Newcastle 2040 Plan
is required before on-going commitment will allow will address a key constraint
1.1.1 Great spaces
sand top-ups can be for planning and (lack of funding) to delivery
implemented. Practicality of implementation work to of on-going sand 1.2.4 Healthy communities
action is subject to external be carried out. nourishment to Stockton.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
agencies committing to the
funds. 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - practical strategy for Yes - minimal impact to Yes - a strategy that aids in Newcastle 2040 Plan
CN to maintain once sand maintain strategy. supplying sand to Stockton.
1.1.1 Great spaces
placement design and
approvals are complete. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - establishing Yes - minimal impact. Yes - ownership of the Newcastle 2040 Plan
governance framework and actions by the working
1.1.1 Great spaces
working groups is a group is an effective
standard Council process method to assist 1.2.4 Healthy communities
for major projects. implementation.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - funding for the delivery Yes - local sand sources Yes - both areas were Newcastle 2040 Plan
of the action has been should be investigated. identified as a feasible
1.1.1 Great spaces
received through the borrow areas for mass
CERMP. The responsibility of nourishment and ongoing 1.2.4 Healthy communities
DRNSW/NSWPW is limited top-ups refer to South Arm
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
to the CERMP scope of Report (Bluecoast 2022a &
works 2022b) and the Stockton 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
offshore sand exploration 2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
project report (MEG 2021)

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 141

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
BN2B(1) Undertake an initial desktop Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
assessment and consult with with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
relevant stakeholders A noted nourishment
regarding the benefits of
2c) Medium term objective -
placing mixed sediments from
Mitigate impact of coastal
the maintenance dredging of
hazards on public and private
Newcastle Harbour off
infrastructure
Stockton Beach.
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity
BN2B(2) Subject to the outcomes of Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
BN2A & BN2B(1), undertake with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
environmental assessments A noted nourishment
and seek approval for mixed
2c) Medium term objective -
sediment placements. This
Mitigate impact of coastal
may include a trial mixed
hazards on public and private
dredge material placement at
infrastructure
Stockton. If successful, update
Stockton nourishment 3e) Medium term objective -
placement designs and Improve beach amenity
specifications to encompass
approved mixed sediment
placements.
Beach nourishment [BN] - implementation actions
BN3A Implement beach nourishment, Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
in alignment with the Stockton with misalignment beach environment through mass
Beach Repair Blueprint. Objects B noted nourishment
and F
2c) Medium term objective -
Mitigate impact of coastal
hazards on public and private
infrastructure
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity
BN3B Subject to the establishment of Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
funding (see BN1E), implement with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
regular sand top-ups in line B and F noted nourishment
with sand volume need based
2c) Medium term objective -
on monitoring
Mitigate impact of coastal
hazards on public and private
infrastructure
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity
City of Newcastle

142
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - these studies are Yes - subject to Yes - if study outcomes are Newcastle 2040 Plan
planned. outcomes of positive will assist with
1.1.1 Great spaces
investigations. Mixed delivery of nourishment to
dredge material has the Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
potential to provide a
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
cost-effective sand
source. 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - Primary responsible Yes - subject to Yes - if study outcomes are Newcastle 2040 Plan
agency yet to be confirmed outcomes of positive will assist with
1.1.1 Great spaces
investigations. Mixed delivery of nourishment to
dredge material has the Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
potential to provide a
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
cost-effective sand
source. 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Requires funding Yes - this is the preferred Yes - provision of mass Newcastle 2040 Plan
commitments and coastal management nourishment has been
1.1.1 Great spaces
completion of approvals scheme at Stockton. evaluated in detail as the
and design actions above. preferred coastal 1.2.4 Healthy communities
management option.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Requires funding Yes - this is required to Yes - provision of Newcastle 2040 Plan
commitments and maintain the preferred nourishment top-ups have
1.1.1 Great spaces
completion of approvals coastal management been evaluated in detail as
and design actions above. scheme at Stockton. the preferred coastal 1.2.4 Healthy communities
management option.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 143

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
BN3C If a suitable and viable Yes Yes - aligns No 1f) Medium term objective - Return
opportunistic sand source with Object misalignment beach environment through mass
becomes available (may be J noted nourishment
identified by CN, Panel or
2c) Medium term objective -
other), facilitate delivery of
Mitigate impact of coastal
sand nourishment from
hazards on public and private
opportunistic source.
infrastructure
3e) Medium term objective -
Improve beach amenity
Beach Nourishment [BN] - dune maintenance actions
BN4A Identify the most efficient sand Yes Yes - aligns No 1b) Short-term objective - Protect
scraping operation subject to with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
local conditions. B noted dune and heath land.
3b) Short term objective - Efficient
management of existing beach
sand.

BN4B Conduct beach scraping in Yes Yes - aligns No 1b) Short-term objective - Protect
areas, north and south of the with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
Mitchell Street seawall, in front B noted dune and heath land.
of Corroba Oval, Dalby Oval
3b) Short term objective - Efficient
and the Holiday Park, to
management of existing beach
increase dune volume and
sand.
maintain existing access
points.

BN4C Undertake dune maintenance Yes Yes - aligns No 1b) Short term objective - Protect
program and continue dune with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
rehabilitation works prior to B noted dune and heath land.
mass nourishment along the
1c) Short term objective - Identify
most vulnerable shorelines. This
environmental risks and controls
may include dune shaping,
needed.
stabilising, and fencing.
1d) Short term objective - Address
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
BN4D Post mass nourishment, Yes Yes - aligns No 1e) Medium term objective -
conduct dune building and with Object misalignment Improve the biodiversity values of
stabilisation to reinstate the B noted natural assets.
coastal barrier along the most
1f) Medium term objective - Return
vulnerable shorelines.
beach environment through mass
sand nourishment.
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144
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - sand sources can be Yes - securing Yes - any alternative Newcastle 2040 Plan
assessed as they become opportunistic sand sources would be an
1.1.1 Great spaces
available. These sources would effective addition to the
opportunistic sources may compliment and sand supply at Stockton. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
require further enhance the preferred
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
investigations, approvals, management scheme.
design and monitoring 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
before being implemented. 2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - beach scraping is Yes - this is a preferred Yes - amenity can be Newcastle 2040 Plan
something CN already do short-term management improved with improved
1.1.1 Great spaces
as BAU process. option for stakeholders. sand scraping regime.
1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
Yes - beach scraping is Yes - this is a preferred Yes - amenity can be Newcastle 2040 Plan
something CN already do short-term management improved with improved
1.1.1 Great spaces
as BAU process. option for stakeholders. sand scraping regime.
1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
Yes - dune maintenance is Yes - this is a preferred Yes - dune management is Newcastle 2040 Plan
practical to undertake. short-term management an effective action to
1.1.1 Great spaces
option for stakeholders. maintain and improve
condition of coastal dunes. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - CN will seek funding Yes - dune management Yes - dune management is Newcastle 2040 Plan
from range of sources to is an important process an effective action to
1.1.1 Great spaces
undertake dune to ensure the benefits of maintain and improve
maintenance. preferred mass condition of coastal dunes. 1.2.4 Healthy communities
nourishment option are
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
realised.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 145

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Beach Nourishment [BN] - monitoring actions
BN5A Undertake monitoring of the No Yes - aligns No 3a) Short term objective - Deliver
October/November 2023 with Object misalignment amenity nourishment.
amenity nourishment, as B noted
required in the CERMP grant
scope of works.

BN5B Develop and implement Yes Yes - aligns No 2e) Long-term objective -
coastal monitoring and with Object misalignment Management planning reviewed in
decision-support system to F noted line with the mass nourishment
inform sand and beach monitoring.
management.

BN5C Deliver targeted coastal No Yes - aligns No 2e) Long-term objective -

monitoring of mass with Object misalignment Management planning reviewed in
nourishment through the F noted line with the mass nourishment
Stockton Beach Repair Project, monitoring.
in alignment with the Stockton
Beach Repair Blueprint.
BN5D Undertake coastal monitoring
to trigger protection works and
beach scraping.

Coastal vulnerability area [CVA] - Coastal assets [CH]

Coastal assets [CH] - Pre-planning investigations
CH1A Audit coastline and update No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
asset register(s) accordingly, to with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
ensure natural and built H noted responses into land use and asset
coastal assets are adequately planning.
represented in service asset
planning.
CH1B Incorporate coastal hazards No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
into CN’s service asset with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
planning. H&I noted responses into land use and asset
planning.
City of Newcastle

146
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - targeted monitoring is Yes - no unacceptable Yes - will provide important Newcastle 2040 Plan
practical method to assess impacts noted. data and knowledge.
4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
performance and inform
improvement
future nourishment
campaigns. 4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights
Yes - targeted monitoring is Yes - no unacceptable Yes - will provide important Newcastle 2040 Plan
practical method to assess impacts noted. data and knowledge.
4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
performance and inform
improvement
future nourishment
campaigns. 4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights
Yes - coastal monitoring is a Yes - no unacceptable Yes - provides critical Newcastle 2040 Plan
standard practice to inform impacts noted. coastal monitoring
4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
coastal management information.
improvement
actions.
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights
Newcastle 2040 Plan
4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
improvement
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights

Yes - standard asset Yes - no unacceptable Yes - this is an effective tool Newcastle 2040 Plan
management practice. impacts noted. for CN to manage coastal
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
assets.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - good asset Yes - no unacceptable Yes - this is an effective way Newcastle 2040 Plan
management practice. impacts noted. for CN to manage coastal
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
assets into the future.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 147

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CH1C Develop a masterplan for the No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
Holiday Park, addressing the with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
re-location of cabins and the D&G noted immediate coastal hazards.
amenities block, the
2d) Medium term objective -
associated infrastructure
Incorporate coastal hazard
changes, and future financial
responses into land use and asset
sustainability in response to
planning.
coastal hazard exposure, as
per Figure 13.
Coastal assets [CH] - design and approvals actions
CH2A Finalise design and No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
documentation of planned with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
protection structures to F noted immediate coastal hazards.
address immediate risks to
critical assets, as per Figure 13.

CH2B Conduct an environmental No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
assessment and seek with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
associated approvals for the F noted immediate coastal hazards.
protection structures, as
outlined in CH2A.

CH2C Undertake condition No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
assessment and design with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
specification for renewal of the F noted immediate coastal hazards.
existing SLSC and Mitchell
Street seawalls, including
consideration of adaptation to
climate change and ongoing
maintenance.
CH2D Undertake a detailed design Yes Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
and obtain approvals, with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
including cultural heritage F noted responses into land use and asset
assessments, for works planning.
included in the Holiday Park
Master Plan. Based on the
outcomes of the Holiday Park
masterplan (once developed).
CH2E Undertake concept design and Yes Yes - aligns No 2a) Short to medium term
obtain approvals for interim with Object misalignment objective - Protect critical
protection structure, including F noted infrastructure at risk from
cultural heritage assessments, immediate coastal hazards.
if the erosion scarp comes
within 25m of the seaward
City of Newcastle

edge of the Eames Ave road,

or a shore parallel line
adjoining the floodlights on the
seaward side of Corroba Oval.

148
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - a masterplan is Yes - no unacceptable Yes - this is an effective way Newcastle 2040 Plan
practical. impacts noted. for CN to plan for re-
1.1.1 Great spaces
location.
1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance the Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. action is considered managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
acceptable. short period which is
assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
nourishment.
Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance the Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. action is considered managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
acceptable. short period which is
assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
nourishment.
Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance the Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. action is considered managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
acceptable. short period which is
assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
nourishment.

Yes - it is assumed the Yes - it is assumed the Yes - it is assumed the Newcastle 2040 Plan
masterplan will produce masterplan will produce masterplan will produce
1.1.2 Well-designed places
practical measures. acceptable measures. effective measures.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance the Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. action is considered managed, it will work for a
1.1.1 Great spaces
acceptable. short period which is
assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural area
nourishment.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 149

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Coastal assets [CH] - Implementation actions
CH3A Construct interim protection No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
structures to address with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
immediate risks at The Pines F noted immediate coastal hazards.
frontage.

CH3B Construct interim protection No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
structures to address with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
immediate risks at the northern F noted immediate coastal hazards.
end of the SLSC seawall and
northern extension.

CH3C Construct interim protection No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
structure to address immediate with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
risks at the southern end of the F noted immediate coastal hazards.
SLSC seawall.

CH3D Reconfigure and construct No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
infrastructure and building with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
assets within the Holiday Park, F noted responses into land use and asset
that reflect the approved planning.
masterplan and development
consent. 2f) Long term objective - Plans
and strategies in place to improve
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH3E If triggered, construct an No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
interim protection structure to with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
address coastal erosion along F noted immediate coastal hazards.
Eames Ave and Corroba Oval.
City of Newcastle

150
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance this Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. action is considered managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
acceptable. Significantly short period which is
cheaper than alternative assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
of landfill removal. delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
nourishment.
Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance from Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. CMP 2020 the action is managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
considered acceptable. short period which is
Acceptability depends assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
on design potential for delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
significant price creep. nourishment.
May affect financially
viability further
investigation required
Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance from Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. CMP 2020 the action is managed, it will work for a
1.1.2 Well-designed places
considered acceptable. short period which is
Acceptability depends assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
on design potential for delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
significant price creep. nourishment.
May affect financially
viability further
investigation required
Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - this is considered Yes - protecting the Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. acceptable. landward end of the King
1.1.1 Great spaces
Street breakwater is a
practical measure. 1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - seawalls are practical Yes - on balance from Yes - if overtopping is Newcastle 2040 Plan
for CN to implement. CMP 2020 the action is managed, it will work for a
1.1.1 Great spaces
considered acceptable. short period which is
Acceptability depends assumed to extend to the 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
on design potential for delivered of mass
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
significant price creep. nourishment.
May affect financially
viability further
investigation required

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 151

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Coastal Assets - Maintenance and monitoring actions
CH4A Undertake renewal works to No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
the Mitchell Street seawall as with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
identified in condition F noted immediate coastal hazards.
assessment report.

CH4B Undertake renewal works to No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
the SLSC seawall as identified with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
in condition assessment report. F noted immediate coastal hazards.

CH4C Undertake maintenance of the No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
rock bag protection structure with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
at northern end of Mitchell St F noted immediate coastal hazards.
seawall.

CH4D Undertake annual inspection of No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
the northern breakwater, as with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
per the PoN lease, and assess F noted immediate coastal hazards.
potential issues from coastal
2d) Medium term objective -
hazards, in relation to
Incorporate coastal hazard
infrastructure operated by PoN.
responses into land use and asset
planning.
CH4E Undertake pro-active and No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
reactive beach maintenance with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
at stormwater discharge points F noted immediate coastal hazards.
along the Stockton coastline,
2d) Medium term objective -
prior to and after storm events,
Incorporate coastal hazard
to prevent additional erosion
responses into land use and asset
and ponding.
planning.
CH4F Conduct a seawall condition No Yes - aligns No 2e) Long-term objective -
monitoring program within the with Object misalignment Management planning reviewed in
Extended Stockton CMP area. F noted line with the mass nourishment
monitoring.
City of Newcastle

152
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - maintenance of assets Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - maintenance is Newcastle 2040 Plan
is effective where the assets practical.
1.1.1 Great spaces
is performing it’s intended
function. 1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
Yes - maintenance of assets Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - maintenance is Newcastle 2040 Plan
is effective where the assets practical.
1.1.1 Great spaces
is performing it’s intended
function. 1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
Yes - maintenance of assets Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - maintenance is Newcastle 2040 Plan
is effective where the assets practical.
1.1.1 Great spaces
is performing it’s intended
function. 1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
Yes - inspections of assets is Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - inspections are Newcastle 2040 Plan
effective. practical.
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - maintenance of beach Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - beach maintenance is Newcastle 2040 Plan
at stormwater outlets is practical.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
effective.

Yes - asset monitoring is a Yes - no unacceptable Yes - provides critical asset Newcastle 2040 Plan
Council BAU process. impacts noted. information.
4.3.2 Continuous improvement
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insights

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 153

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Coastal vulnerability area [CVA] - Complimentary coastal hazard actions [CH]
CH - Management and planning
CH5A Resourcing the integrated No Yes - aligns No All
delivery of on-ground works as with Object misalignment
detailed in this business plan. H noted

CH5B Review of the Extended

Stockton Coastal
Management Program.

CH - Development controls
CH6A Investigate Coastal No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
Vulnerability Area mapping to with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
inform amendment to SEPP or H noted responses into land use and asset
equivalent, including planning.
consultation with State
2f) Long term objective - Plans
Agencies.
and strategies in place to improve
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH6B Investigate planning controls Yes - wording Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
for development of lands changed with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
within the mapped coastal H noted responses into land use and asset
vulnerability areas, or planning.
equivalent, to reflect coastal
2f) Long term objective - Plans
hazards and avoid increasing
and strategies in place to improve
future risks.
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
City of Newcastle

climate future including impacts of

extreme storm events.

154
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.1 great spaces
1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.1 Great spaces
1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.2 Know and share our climate
risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
2.2.3 Achieve a water-sensitive city
4.3.2 Continuous improvement
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insight

Yes - this is practical. Aligns Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
with actions within the Local
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
Strategic Planning
Statement 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insights

Yes - this is practical. Aligns Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
with actions within the Local
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
Strategic Planning
Statement 2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insights

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 155

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CH6C Review planning certificates No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
and ensure they are updated with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
in line with existing policies and H&I noted responses into land use and asset
best practice for properties planning.
affected by coastal hazards.
2f) Long term objective - Plans
and strategies in place to improve
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH6D Consider impacts of coastal No Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
hazards when renewing, with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
designing or constructing H&I noted responses into land use and asset
public assets . planning.
2f) Long term objective - Plans
and strategies in place to improve
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH6E New development north of Yes Yes - aligns No 2f) Long term objective - Plans
Corroba Oval to be located with Object misalignment and strategies in place to improve
landward of 2120 ZRFC coastal H noted the resilience of the community to
hazard line. the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH - Emergency works
CH7A Undertake emergency works to No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short-term objective - Protect
manage beach erosion before, with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
during and after storm events, F noted immediate coastal hazards.
in accordance with the
2d) Medium term objective -
Emergency Action Subplan in
Incorporate coastal hazard
Appendix X (insert number/
responses into land use and asset
letter of appendix).
planning.
CH7B Review Emergency Operational No Yes - aligns Yes but there is 2a) Short term objective - Protect
Plan after each major event, or with Object a need to critical infrastructure at risk from
annually. F alignment with immediate coastal hazards .
relevant state
storm
emergency
subplans.
City of Newcastle

156
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insights

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.2 Well-designed places
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
4.3.3 Data-driven decisions & insights

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - this is practical, Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
however, there is a need for
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
secondary emergency
response to phase to
reinstate beach accessways
and other areas once these
are made safe to do so.

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 157

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CH - Knowledge creation/transfer
CH8A Establish an expert panel, No Yes - aligns Yes, there is a 2a) Short term objective - Protect
including emergency with Object need to critical infrastructure at risk from
management personnel, to F alignment with immediate coastal hazards.
advise CN on coastal relevant state
2d) Medium term objective -
management matters. emergency
Incorporate coastal hazard
plans.
responses into land use and asset
planning.
CH8B Update and enhance CN’s No Yes - aligns No 2a) Short term objective - Protect
website with coastal with Object misalignment critical infrastructure at risk from
management program H noted immediate coastal hazards .
information, including coastal
2f) Long term objective - Plans
processes and hazards,
and strategies in place to improve
emergency management and
the resilience of the community to
on-ground works.
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CH - Social and community
CH9A Undertake a Social Impact Yes Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
Assessment (SIA) to identify, with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
predict and evaluate the likely H noted responses into land use and asset
social impacts of the Extended planning.
Stockton CMP, against
2f) Long term objective - Plans
baseline conditions, and
and strategies in place to improve
propose proportionate project
the resilience of the community to
responses.
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
CH9B Develop and deliver a staged Yes Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
social resilience engagement with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
and education program with H noted responses into land use and asset
the Stockton community and planning.
invested stakeholders. Informed
2f) Long term objective - Plans
by the above SIA (CH9A) and a
and strategies in place to improve
trauma-informed
the resilience of the community to
methodology.
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
City of Newcastle

4d) Support the community’s

social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.

158
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. This Newcastle 2040 Plan
work will better qualify and
1.2.4 Healthy communities
respond to the social and
community impacts of 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
coastal hazards
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
management
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. This Newcastle 2040 Plan
work will better qualify and
1.2.4 Healthy communities
respond to the social and
community impacts of 2.1.2 Know and share our climate risk
coastal hazards
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
management
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 159

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CU1A Undertake an audit of beach No Yes - aligns No 3c) Short term objective - Maintain
access points to assess and with Object misalignment existing authorised public access
address public safety issues B noted along the beach as conditions
and erosion potential after allow.
each weather event.

CU1B Utilise a place-making Yes Yes - aligns No 3g) Medium term objective -
approach, in the preparation with Object misalignment Improved public access to and
of a Public Domain Plan for the B noted along the beach.
Stockton coastal area. The
Public Domain Plan will build
upon the Newcastle Coastal
Revitalisation Strategy Master
Plan and incorporate
recommended planning
controls and initiatives, to
improve beach access, once
mass nourishment is delivered.
CU1C Retain Corroba Oval as a local Yes Yes - aligns No 2d) Medium term objective -
level facility from a hazard with Object misalignment Incorporate coastal hazard
exposure perspective. B noted responses into land use and asset
planning.
2f) Long term objective - Plans
and strategies in place to improve
the resilience of the community to
the impacts of an uncertain
climate future including impacts of
extreme storm events.
CU1D Restrict illegal four wheel drive Yes Yes - aligns No 1d) Short term action - Address
access from Hunter Water, DHA with Object misalignment activities that degrade the quality
and DCJ land. B noted of the coastal environment.

Post mass sand nourishment

CU1E Undertake investigations into Yes Yes - aligns No 3d) Short term objective -
the feasibility of improving with Object misalignment Investigate opportunities to
beach accessibility in the B noted improve public access to and
Stockton CMP area. This may along the beach.
be through beach matting,
3g) Medium term objective -
beach wheelchairs for hire and
Improved public access to and
other measures.
along the beach.
City of Newcastle

3h) Long term objective - As

appropriate, equitable access to
the beach with effective links
between developments.

160
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - inspection and Yes - no unacceptable Yes - this is an effective way Newcastle 2040 Plan
management of beach adverse impacts. to improve management of
1.1.1 Great spaces
access assets is a practical beach accesses.
measure for Council. 1.2.1 Healthy communities
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
Yes - public domain Yes - public domain Yes - appropriate planning Newcastle 2040 Plan
planning is standard planning done in will lead to improved
1.1.1 Great spaces
practice for local consultation with land coastal environmental
government. managers and outcomes. 1.1.2 Well-designed places
stakeholders is expected
1.2.1 Healthy communities
to be acceptable
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas

Yes - continuation of Yes - continued use of Yes - not allowing a change Newcastle 2040 Plan
existing land use. the site as a sporting of land use will reduce
1.1.1 Great spaces
oval is expected to be exposure to coastal hazards
acceptable. in the future. 1.2.1 Healthy communities

Yes - fencing of Yes - removal of Yes - appropriate Newcastle 2040 Plan

inappropriate access tracks inappropriate access intervention methods will
1.1.1 Great spaces
(and related works) is within improves coastal lead to improved coastal
respective landholders environment. 4WD users environmental outcomes. 1.2.1 Healthy communities
capabilities. re-directed to
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
appropriate tracks, for
example Lavis Lane in 2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
Fullerton North.

Yes - Council can use these Yes - positive societal Yes - outcomes of the study Newcastle 2040 Plan
studies to inform societal impact improving beach will provide
1.1.1 Great spaces
needs. accessibility. recommendations on
whether Stockton is suitable 1.2.1 Healthy communities
for this type of accessibility
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
upgrade.
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 161

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CU1F Design and construct new No Yes - aligns No 3d) Short term objective -
access ways, as identified from with Object misalignment Investigate opportunities to
public domain planning, B noted improve public access to and
including reinstating access along the beach.
over the existing seawalls post
3g) Medium term objective -
mass nourishment.
Improved public access to and
along the beach.
3h) Long term objective - As
appropriate, equitable access to
the beach with effective links
between developments.
CU1G Investigate with the view to Yes Yes - aligns No 3d) Short term objective -
provide improved pedestrian with Object misalignment Investigate opportunities to
beach access and carparking B noted improve public access to and
along the northern boundary along the beach.
of Corroba Oval, through the
3g) Medium term objective -
development of the Corroba
Improved public access to and
Oval Master Plan.
along the beach.
3h) Long term objective - As
appropriate, equitable access to
the beach with effective links
between developments.
CU1H Support public authority Yes Yes - aligns No 3f) Medium term objective -
landholders with any with Object misalignment Identify spaces that can be
investigations into future B noted transitioned to conversation areas
ownership and linkages of and rehabilitated.
beachfront land, to enable
3g) Medium term objective -
continuous public pedestrian
Improved public access to and
access to and along Stockton
along the beach..
beach to the Worimi
Conservation Lands. 3h) Long term objective - As
appropriate, equitable access to
the beach with effective links
between developments.
CU1I Require that landholders north Yes Yes - aligns No 3f) Medium term objective -
of Corroba Oval identify how with Object misalignment Identify spaces that can be
public pedestrian access will B noted transitioned to conversation areas
be provided to the beach and rehabilitated.
within all future planning
3g) Medium term objective -
proposals.
Improved public access to and
along the beach.
3h) Long term objective - As
City of Newcastle

appropriate, equitable access to

the beach with effective links
between developments.

162
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - outcomes from the Yes - no unacceptable Yes - this is an effective way Newcastle 2040 Plan
planning exercise should be adverse impacts, and to improve access and
1.1.1 Great spaces
implemented where funding positive societal impact promote the amenity
allows. improving beach access. improvements from mass 1.2.1 Healthy communities
nourishment.
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - Ongoing master Yes - no unacceptable Yes - masterplans are an Newcastle 2040 Plan
planning can be used to adverse impacts, and effective process that
1.1.1 Great spaces
progress this action. positive societal impact Council uses to capture and
improving beach access. progress this type of action. 1.2.1 Healthy communities

Yes - actions from these Yes - no unacceptable Yes - if incorporated into Newcastle 2040 Plan
strategies should be adverse impacts, and these plans they are an
1.1.1 Great spaces
pursued. positive societal impact effective measure to
improving beach access progress the action. 1.2.1 Healthy communities
linkages.

Yes - this existing DCP Yes - no unacceptable Yes - investigations progress Newcastle 2040 Plan
action should be adverse impacts, and towards ultimate objective,
1.1.1 Great spaces
implemented. positive societal impact to improve beach access.
This is in alignment with the improving beach access. 1.2.1 Healthy communities
Newcastle DCP 2012 6.15
and the Fern Bay and
Stockton North Strategy.

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 163

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Coastal Environment [CE]
Vegetation management [CE]
CE1A Undertake dune vegetation Yes Yes - aligns No 1b) Short term objective - Protect
maintenance program and with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
continue dune rehabilitation A noted dune and heath land.
works, in accordance with best
1c) Short term objective - Identify
practice, including invasive
environmental risks and controls
species control and the
needed.
replanting of native colonising
species. 1d) Short term objective - Address
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
1e) Medium term objective -
Improve the biodiversity values of
natural assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
CE1B Include landscaping with No Yes - aligns No 1b) Short term objective - Protect
native provenance species in with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
public domain works along the A noted dune and heath land.
coastal section of the Stockton
1e) Medium term objective -
CMP area.
Improve the biodiversity values of
natural assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
CE1C Provide support and No Yes - aligns No 1b) Short term objective - Protect
assistance to Landcare with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
volunteers when revegetation A noted dune and heath land.
activities are undertaken in the
1e) Medium term objective -
Stockton CMP area.
Improve the biodiversity values of
natural assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
City of Newcastle

164
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - dune vegetation Yes - this is a preferred Yes - dune vegetation Newcastle 2040 Plan
management is practical to short-term management management is an effective
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
undertake. option for stakeholders. action to maintain and
improve condition of coastal
dunes.

Yes - landscaping with Yes - this is a preferred Yes - landscaping with Newcastle 2040 Plan
native species is practical to short-term management native species is an effective
1.1.1 Well-designed places
undertake. option for stakeholders. action to improve conditions
of coastal dunes. 2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Yes - supporting Landcare Yes. Yes - Landcare in dune Newcastle 2040 Plan
is a practical measure. systems is effective.
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 165

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CE1D Develop a wrack management Yes Yes - aligns No 1b) Short term objective - Protect
protocol that applies to with Object misalignment biodiversity values of the beach,
Stockton Beach. A noted dune and heath land.
1e) Medium term objective -
Improve the biodiversity values of
natural assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
Contamination management [CE]
CE2A Maintain temporary seawall Yes Yes - aligns No 1a) Short term objective - Manage
and/or incrementally remove with Object misalignment landfill risk.
landfill material and other A noted
contamination on the former
treatment plant site.

CE2B Identify the extent of the Yes Yes - aligns No 1a) Short term objective - Manage
contaminated land at the DCJ with Object misalignment landfill risk.
site and determine and A noted
1c) Short term objective - Identify
implement a management
environmental risks and controls
response.
needed.
1d) Short term objective - Address
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
CE2C Conduct on-ground works to Yes Yes - aligns No 1a) Short term objective - Manage
manage the historical buried with Object misalignment landfill risk.
material along the erosion scar A noted
1d) Short term objective - Address
of Stockton Beach.
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
Stormwater management [CE]
CE3A Incorporate best practice Yes Yes - aligns No 1c) Short term objective - Identify
stormwater quantity and with Object misalignment environmental risks and controls
quality management and A noted needed.
Water Sensitive Urban Design
1d) Short term objective - Address
(WSUD) into the design and
activities that degrade the quality
delivery of capital projects, as
of the coastal environment.
well as Public Domain Plans
and master plans. 1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
City of Newcastle

Sustainable Development (ESD)

principles.

166
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - wrack management is Yes - expected to be Yes - wrack management is Newcastle 2040 Plan
considered practical in the supported by common practice at other
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
Stockton context. stakeholders and locations more effected by
community. wrack than Stockton.

Yes - land manager has Yes - this intervention will Yes - this is a preferred Newcastle 2040 Plan
capacity to undertake these reduce the risk of option to address landfill
2.1.3 Resilient urban and natural areas
works. negative environmental risk.
impacts from further 2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
erosion.

Yes - land manager has Yes - this intervention will Yes - this investigation will Newcastle 2040 Plan
capacity to undertake this reduce the risk of provide further information
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
investigation. negative environmental on contaminated land risk
impacts from further
erosion.

Yes - land manager has Yes - this intervention will Yes - this work will reduce Newcastle 2040 Plan
capacity to undertake this reduce the risk of exposure to risks during
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
work. negative environmental future storm erosion events.
impacts from further
erosion.

Yes - land manager has Yes - this intervention will Yes - this intervention will Newcastle 2040 Plan
capacity to undertake this reduce the risk of reduce negative impacts
2.2.3 Achieve water sensitive city
work. negative environmental from urban stormwater to
impacts the environment and align
CMP actions with
stormwater drainage service
delivery

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 167

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
CE3B Prepare overarching Yes Yes - aligns No 1c) Short term objective - Identify
stormwater management with Object misalignment environmental risks and controls
plans for critical sub A noted needed.
catchments (those in the
1d) Short term objective - Address
vicinity of coastal protection
activities that degrade the quality
structures) that consider whole
of the coastal environment.
of catchment management,
including drainage asset 1g) Long term objective - Enhance
condition, catchment the coastal environment and be
modelling, and related low consistent with Ecologically
lying land studies. Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
Environmental monitoring [CE]
CE4A Continue to monitor dune Yes Yes - aligns No 1c) Short term objective - Identify
health and implement with Object misalignment environmental risks and controls
recommendations of A noted needed.
monitoring program, improving
1d) Short term objective - Address
the health of the dune system.
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
1e) Medium term objective -
Progressively improve the
biodiversity values of natural
assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
CE4B Build capacity for community Yes Yes - aligns No 1c) Short term objective - Identify
volunteers to undertake citizen with Object misalignment environmental risks and controls
science environmental A noted needed.
monitoring
1d) Short term objective - Address
activities that degrade the quality
of the coastal environment.
1e) Medium term objective -
Improve the biodiversity values of
natural assets.
1g) Long term objective - Enhance
the coastal environment and be
consistent with Ecologically
Sustainable Development (ESD)
principles.
City of Newcastle

4d) Support the community’s

social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.

168
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - CN has capacity to Yes - this long term Yes - it will integrate the Newcastle 2040 Plan
undertake this work. planning will best stormwater management
2.2.3 Achieve water sensitive city
manage the risk of aspects of individual
flooding and projects and maintenance
environmental impacts services and practically
support ‘at source’ (as
opposed to ‘end of pipe’)
stormwater management.

Yes - CN has capacity to Yes - this long term Yes - this work will be Newcastle 2040 Plan
undertake this work. planning will reduce the expected to lead to an
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
risk of flooding and improved coastal
coastal inundation risk. environment. 4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
improvement
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights

Yes - CN can assist in Yes - citizen science, Yes - citizen science, Newcastle 2040 Plan
building the capacity in the monitoring and monitoring and
2.2.1 Regenerate natural systems
community. participation in coastal participation in coastal
management is management is expected 4.2.1 Genuine engagement
expected to be to lead to an improved
4.3.2 Innovation and continuous
acceptable. coastal environment and
improvement
coastal use.
4.3.3 Data-driven decision-making
and insights

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 169

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
Culture and heritage [H]
H1 Engage with Traditional Yes Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
Custodians on how they would with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
like to be involved in the C noted
4b) Support the identification and
implementation of the sand
management of cultural heritage.
nourishment strategy and
additional CMP actions. 4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H2 Undertake a holistic Aboriginal Yes Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
Cultural Heritage Assessment with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
Report across the Stockton C noted
4b) Support the identification and
Peninsula, to improve
management of cultural heritage.
understanding of the area’s
cultural significance and to 4c) Improved acknowledgement
inform future planning. of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H3 Incorporate Aboriginal cultural No Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
information and due diligence with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
into CN projects and works, C noted
4b) Support the identification and
including the assessment of
management of cultural heritage.
development applications and
heritage interpretations. 4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H4 In consultation with Traditional YES Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
Custodians, investigate and with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
appropriately manage C noted
4b) Support the identification and
remnant Aboriginal heritage
management of cultural heritage.
materials discovered on public
lands. 4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
City of Newcastle

and customary importance of the

Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.

170
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - already underway. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - will give greater Newcastle 2040 Plan
certainty to identification of
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
significant sites and triggers
for Aboriginal Heritage 1.2.2 Inclusive communities
Impact Permits where
required

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 171

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
H5 Build awareness of Aboriginal YES Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
cultural values and sensitivities with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
within CN staff, in relation to C noted
4b) Support the identification and
coastal management.
management of cultural heritage.
4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H6 Implement dual naming of sites No Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
within the Stockton CMP area, with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
where appropriate. C noted
4b) Support the identification and
management of cultural heritage.
4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H7 Support the continuation of Yes Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
cultural practices undertaken with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
by Aboriginal people, including C noted
4b) Support the identification and
the sharing of those practices
management of cultural heritage.
with others, in Stockton.
4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H8 Support Aboriginal Place Yes Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
applications at Stockton. with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
C noted
4b) Support the identification and
management of cultural heritage.
4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
City of Newcastle

Stockton coastal zone.

4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.

172
Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities

Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 173

 Action Management action Is this a new CM Act Alignment with Alignment with Stockton CMP
ID action or has objects other strategic objectives?
the action addressed? documents,
significantly policies and
changed from acts at Local,
the Adopted State and
Stockton Commonwealth
2020 CMP? Level?
H9 Explore opportunities for whale Yes Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
carcass management to with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
incorporate Indigenous cultural C noted
4b) Support the identification and
protocols.
management of cultural heritage.
4c) Improved acknowledgement
of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H10 Explore opportunities for the No Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
recognition and interpretation with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
of heritage items and places, B, C noted
4b) Support the identification and
including archaeological sites
management of cultural heritage.
and maritime heritage, in CN
projects and works within the 4c) Improved acknowledgement
Stockton CMP area. of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H11 Integrate the consideration of No Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
cultural history and heritage with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
including, heritage items, B, C noted
4b) Support the identification and
archaeological sites, historic
management of cultural heritage.
shipwrecks and other maritime
heritage within the Stockton 4c) Improved acknowledgement
CMP area into Public Domain of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
Plans. and customary importance of the
Stockton coastal zone.
4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
H12 Investigate and appropriately No Yes - aligns No 4a) Manage known European and
manage heritage items, with Object misalignment Aboriginal heritage items.
archaeological sites and B, C noted
4b) Support the identification and
maritime heritage (including
management of cultural heritage.
underwater cultural heritage,
historic shipwrecks and 4c) Improved acknowledgement
associated relics) on public of Worimi people’s spiritual, social
lands, under threat from and customary importance of the
City of Newcastle

coastal hazards. Stockton coastal zone.

4d) Support the community’s
social and cultural connections
and values of the coastal zone.
Note: In alignment with Principle 3.1(b) of the adopted Newcastle Heritage Study, the research and publication of cultural knowledge and data is Indigenous-led, ethic
must only be obtained with free, prior and informed consent. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights are respected, with the rights of Aboriginal and
174
 Is this action practical? Is this action Is this action effective? Alignment with IP&R Framework
Can it be done? acceptable? Will it work?
(Does the action align with the roles Should it be done? (Is the option feasible from a
and responsibilities of the action (Does the action have any technical, engineering and/or
owner, Does the action owner have unacceptable financial, construction perspective? Is the
the financial capacity and internal environmental or social impacts) action adaptable to changing
expertise to deliver. Is the action condition? Is there a high level of
legal?) confidence the action will address
the issue)

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.2 Inclusive communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.1 Connected communities
4.2.1 Genuine engagement

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.1 Connected communities
1.2.2 Inclusive communities

Yes - this is practical. Yes - this is acceptable. Yes - this is effective. Newcastle 2040 Plan
1.1.3 Protected heritage places
1.2.1 Connected communities
1.2.2 Inclusive communities

cal and responsible, ensuring it has a positive impact on and for Indigenous people. Cultural knowledge gathered from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Torres Strait Islander peoples to own and control their cultural heritage recognised and protected.
Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program 175
Appendix C
Stockton
Emergency
Action Subplan
Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

1 November 2024
Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 1
 Acknowledgment
City of Newcastle acknowledges with the deepest respect the Traditional Custodians
of this land, a people who belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world.

We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and unique cultural
and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas.

We are grateful for the rich, diverse, living cultures of Aboriginal people. We recognise
the history of truth that acknowledges the impact of invasion and colonisation on
Aboriginal people and how this still resonates today.

We pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories,
traditions, cultures and aspirations of Aboriginal people.

Enquiries
For information contact
Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability
Phone 4974 2000

Published by
City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle
PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone 4974 2000
mail@[Link]
[Link]

2 © 2024 City of Newcastle

Document Summary
Document Title Stockton Emergency Action Subplan

Project Name Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program

Client City of Newcastle

Report No. P19028 Stockton Emergency Action Subplan

Document History
Version Date Author(s) Reviewer(s) Status Signature

1.0 27.09.23 S. Perrin & E. Watterson DRAFT

E. Watterson

2.0 05.02.23 T. Fallon & E. Watterson REVISED

E. Watterson DRAFT

3.0 06.05.23 T. Fallon & E. Watterson DRAFT

E. Watterson (for public
exhibition)

4.0 01.11.24 T. Fallon & E. Watterson DRAFT

E. Watterson (for public
exhibition)

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 3

4
City of Newcastle
Contents
1. Introduction 7 List of Figures
1.1 About this document 7 Figure 1: Extended Stockton CMP area spatial
extent and land holders/managers 9
1.2 Purpose and scope of the CZEAS 7
Figure 2. Emergency roles flowchart 15
1.3 Extent of the CZEAS 8
Figure 3. Summary of criteria to initiate
1.4 Consultation on this CZEAS 8
a coastal emergency response 16
1.5 Emergency Operational Plans 8
Figure 4: Potential locations of emergency
2. Overview of hazards and key locations at risk 10 coastal protection works 24

2.1 Overview 10 Figure 5: Legislative framework and its relationship

with coastal management at Stockton 37
2.2 Beach erosion 10

2.3 Coastal inundation 11

2.4 Assets and key locations at risk 12

List of Tables
3. Emergency coastal management 14
Table 1: Assets and infrastructure at risk of coastal
3.1 Defining a coastal emergency 14 hazards along Stockton Beach 12

3.2 Event triggers (defining when a coastal Table 2. Roles and responsibilities for coastal
emergency will be initiated) 16 emergency response agencies at Stockton 18

3.3 Roles and responsibilities 18 Table 3. Rational and description of emergency

coastal protection works by shoreline frontage 21
3.4 Map of emergency coastal protection
works 20 Table 4: Phase 1: prevention emergency
response actions 26
3.5 Required approvals 25
Table 5: Phase 2 (prepare) emergency
3.6 Actions of the CZEAS 26
response actions 28
3.7 Stockton CZEAS implementation
Table 6: Phase 3 (response) emergency
and review 35
response actions 30
4. References 36
Table 7: Phase 4 (recover) emergency
Appendix A: Planning and legislative context 37 response actions 34

Introduction 37

State Emergency and Rescue Management

Act 1989 38

Coastal Management Act 2016 40

City of Newcastle Local Emergency

Management Plan 2019 41

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 5

 Definitions

Beach An area that is generally composed of sand or pebbles or similar sediment that
extends landwards from the lowest astronomical tide to the line of vegetation or
bedrock or structure.

Beach erosion The offshore movement of sand from the sub-aerial beach during storms or an
extreme or irregular weather event.

BOM Bureau of Meteorology

Combat agency The agency identified in the Local, Regional or State Emergency Management
Plan (EMPLAN) as the agency primarily responsible for responding to a particular
emergency.

Coastal emergency Beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability occurring through storm activity
or extreme or irregular events which threatens to endanger the safety or health of
people or destroys or damages or threatens to destroy or damage any property.

Council City of Newcastle

CMP Coastal Management Program

Coastal protection Activities or works to reduce the impact of coastal hazards on land adjacent to
works tidal waters and includes sea walls, revetment and beach nourishment.

CN City of Newcastle

CM Act Coastal Management Act 2016

CZEAS Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan

DCCEEW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

EMPLAN Emergency Management Plan

Emergency coastal Works comprising the placement of sand, or the placing of sandbags for a period
protection works of not more than 90 days, on a beach, or a sand dune adjacent to a beach, to
mitigate the effects of coastal hazards on land. (Clause 2.16, SEPP Resilience and
Hazards) 2021.

LEMO Local Emergency Management Officer

LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller

SES State Emergency Service

SLSC Surf Life Saving Club

Subaerial beach Sandy beach above 0m Australian Height Datum (AHD).

City of Newcastle

6
1. Introduction
1.1 About this document
This Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan (CZEAS) forms part of the Extended Stockton Coastal
Management Program (CMP). This CZEAS has been prepared in accordance with the Coastal Management
Act 2016 (CM Act) and the accompanying NSW Coastal Management Manual (OEH, 2018), specifically the
Guidelines for preparing a coastal zone emergency action subplan (DPIE, 2019), herein referred to as the
Guidelines.

1.2 Purpose and scope of the CZEAS

The CM Act identifies specific emergency The purpose of the Stockton CZEAS is to identify and
management considerations associated with beach facilitate the implementation of appropriate
erosion, coastal inundation and cliff instability. emergency responses for coastal hazard related
Section 15(1)(e)) of the CM Act outlines that a CZEAS emergencies. The aims of the CZEAS are to:
must be included in a CMP if the local council’s Local
• protect human life and public safety.
Government Area (LGA) contains land within the
Coastal Vulnerability Area (CVA), and beach erosion, • minimise damage to property and assets.
coastal inundation or cliff instability is occurring on • minimise impacts on social, environmental and
that land. economic values.
While at the commencement of the State • not create additional hazards or risks.
Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal
Management) 2018 (CM SEPP), no Coastal
In accordance with the Guidelines, this CZEAS has
Vulnerability Area (CVA) map was adopted and
been prepared to facilitate effective emergency
therefore no CVA has been identified within the
responses by:
Newcastle LGA, it is recognised that Stockton Beach
has been impacted by coastal erosion on numerous • identifying the locations that may be affected by
occasions and it is considered appropriate to beach erosion or coastal inundation that would
develop a CZEAS for this location. It replaces the: constitute a coastal emergency (see Section 2.4).

• previous version of this subplan which covered the • outlining the roles and responsibilities of all public
section from Pirate Point to Meredith Street, authorities (including City of Newcastle (CN)) and
Stockton (CMP 2020). coordinating their response to emergencies
immediately preceding or during periods of beach
• emergency subplan forming Appendix D of Part A
erosion, coastal inundation and cliff instability.
of Newcastle Coastal Zone Management Plan
(CZMP 2018) for the beach areas north of Meredith • defining a coastal emergency and triggers for
Street, Stockton. emergency response actions.

• identifying the locations and types of works that

may be undertaken for the protection of public
property and assets.

• outlining what actions are to be undertaken in the

prevention, preparation, response and recovery
phases of coastal emergency management.

• informing the public and potentially affected

property owners about their responsibilities during
a coastal emergency and what actions they are
and are not permitted to undertake.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 7

 Actions in the Stockton CZEAS aim to reduce risk:

• in areas where CN has chosen not to implement permanent or interim coastal protection works to reduce
coastal hazard risks, which have been evaluated as tolerable or acceptable.

• where coastal hazard risks have not been reduced or eliminated because an agreed action in the Stockton
Coastal Management Program 2020 (Stockton CMP 2020) or the Extended Stockton CMP has not yet been
implemented.

• where coastal hazard risks remain after other actions have been implemented (residual risk).

• when rare and very large or unexpected events occur, outside the design criteria or capacity of agreed
management actions in the Stockton CMP 2020 or Extended Stockton CMP.

The Stockton CZEAS is intended to be a supporting document to CN’s Local Emergency Management Plan
2019 (Newcastle EMPLAN). The Newcastle EMPLAN sets out the responsibilities and coordinating arrangements
for a range of emergencies, between CN1 and combat agencies, including NSW Police, Ambulance Service,
NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and others. The Newcastle EMPLAN is
being reviewed and updated in 2024, presenting an opportunity for this CZEAS to be referred to in the
EMPLAN.

1.3 Extent of the CZEAS

This CZEAS covers the entire Extended Stockton Beach CMP area, being the open coast from Pirate Point,
Little Beach to the Newcastle / Port Stephens LGA boundary (see Figure 1).

1.4 Consultation on this CZEAS

Effective community and stakeholder engagement formed a key aspect of the Extended Stockton CMP.
Relevant northern landholders, government agency stakeholders and members of the community were
consulted throughout the development of the Extended Stockton CMP and engagement activities were
undertaken in accordance with CN’s Community Engagement Policy (2018). Consultation was further guided
by the requirements of the CM Act and NSW Coastal Management Manual’s mandatory requirements.

As part of developing this CZEAS, two workshops were held in June 2023 to consult with key stakeholders
involved in coastal emergency responses at Stockton, including NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police,
Hunter Water, Department of Primary Industries and CN. Feedback was captured at these workshops on the
effectiveness of the CZEAS in the Stockton CMP 2020 and were incorporated into this revised version of the
subplan.

1.5 Emergency Operational Plans

CN’s internal Emergency Operational Plans are an accompanying document to the Stockton CZEAS and will
provide specific information to operationalise CN’s actions in the Stockton CZEAS. and identify the responsible
group within CN for coastal hazard emergency response actions across the Newcastle LGA.
City of Newcastle

1 CN is not a combat agency.

8
Figure 1: Extended Stockton CMP area spatial extent and land holders/managers.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 9

 2. Overview of
hazards and key
locations at risk
2.1 Overview
The CM Act identifies specific emergency management considerations associated with beach erosion,
coastal inundation and cliff instability.

The Extended Stockton CMP identifies locations within the CMP area at risk of beach erosion and coastal
inundation, listed in Table 1. Maps showing beach erosion hazard (for 2020, 2040, 2060 and 2120) are
contained in the Stockton Beach coastal hazard assessment (Bluecoast, 2020).

Stockton is located on a sand peninsula and is relatively flat and of low relief. There are no cliffs and no cliff
instability hazards. Cliff instability is therefore not discussed further herein.

2.2 Beach erosion

Beach erosion is defined as the offshore movement of sand from the subaerial beach during storms or an
extreme or irregular weather event. A beach erosion emergency occurs when public and private assets or life,
are at risk and can occur without a storm event, for example:

• from large and long period swell events from a distant wave generation source, which can cause significant
and sudden erosion, particularly when coinciding with spring tides.

• as a result of erosion from low to moderate swells acting on a depleted beach profile.

• from slumping of the erosion escarpment or erosion protection structures after an event has passed.

At Stockton, typical hazards from beach erosion include:

• reductions in the foundation capacity of the ground supporting coastal infrastructure, either directly
because of undermining, or indirectly because the adjacent area has eroded.

• high, unstable, near-vertical back-beach erosion escarpments. Unstable vertical dune erosion scarps can
collapse suddenly creating a hazard to persons/ property at the crest and near the toe of the scarp.

• damage/ failure/ outflanking of existing coastal protections (e.g., Mitchell Street seawall), potentially
creating dangerous situations.

• vehicles driving on sealed surfaces e.g., roadways/ carparks where the founding material has been eroded
or undercut.

• unsafe beach accessways.

• exposure of waste/ contaminated waste by erosion or failure of protective seawalls (e.g., sandbag
City of Newcastle

protection structure at Corroba Oval landfill).

• destabilisation of trees.

• submerged objects e.g., tank traps.

10
2.3 Coastal inundation
Coastal inundation occurs when a combination of marine and atmospheric processes raise water levels
above normal elevations at the coast, causing land that is usually ‘dry’ to be inundated by seawater. It is
often associated with storms, resulting in elevated still water levels (storm surge), wave set-up, wave run-up,
and overwash or overtopping flows.

At Stockton, coastal inundation landward of the beach, occurs because of waves:

• overwashing across the coastal barrier system, including the dunes.

• overtopping seawalls, revetments and entrance training structures (breakwaters).

Wave overwash and overtopping can result in inundation of foreshore areas, roads, private properties and
low-lying land adjacent to the coast. It can result in risks to public and private assets and present public
safety risks, in areas of wave overtopping coastal structures, which can be hazardous to pedestrians and
motor vehicles, and in areas of wave overwash over dunes.

Inundated areas can experience water moving with significant velocity from wave overwash/overtopping.
High velocities will typically be experienced closer to the coastline, with velocities and inundation depths
dissipating further inland.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 11

 2.4 Assets and key locations at risk
Table 1 outlines the assets and infrastructure that are within the Zone of Reduced Foundation Capacity (ZRFC)
at the 2050 planning horizon (Bluecoast, 2020) and/or within 1% AEP coastal inundation zones in 2020
(Bluecoast, 2021). Risk maps, showing the erosion hazard lines for various planning periods and likelihoods,
overlaid with public assets, are provided in Appendix B of the Stockton Beach coastal erosion hazard
assessment (Bluecoast 2020). The main coastal emergency hazards associated with these assets and
infrastructure are also outlined in this assessment.

Table 1: Assets and infrastructure at risk of coastal hazards along Stockton Beach.

Location Structures/ assets at risk Coastal hazards

Little Beach Dune systems. • Loss of beach accessways and dune fencing.
Beach accessways. • Loss of dune habitat and vegetation.
• Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).

Holiday Holiday Park facilities, • Dune erosion and oceanic inundation threatening
Park including the road, water, permanent assets. Temporary infrastructure (camping or
frontage sewer, amenities block, glamping tents) should be adaptable and easily moved.
caretakers’ residence, • Outflanking of the northern breakwater, should dune
remaining cabins, erosion continue.
playgrounds and sewer pump
• Loss of beach accessways.
out for amenities block.
• Loss of dune habitat and native vegetation.
Office, residence and
• Damage to geotextile, sand container (geobag),
commercial building (“Lexie’s”).
temporary seawall south of the SLSC seawall.
Beach accessways. • Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).

SLSC Carpark and civil drainage. • Outflanking of the SLSC revetment, threatening car park
seawall infrastructure at the southern end, and SLSC building/
SLSC amenities/storage areas of Dalby Oval at the northern end.
facility.
• Overtopping of SLSC revetment affecting car park.
SLSC building. • Loss of civil drainage infrastructure.
Dalby Oval adjacent sport • Oceanic inundation threatening all listed assets.
areas (e.g., tennis court/
bowling court).

CN lifeguard tower and toilet

block.

Dalby Oval Hereford Street monument • Exposure of identified buried historic civil/ building
frontage and associated car parks/ waste and potential associated contaminated soils
(between access. around Hereford Street monument area.
SLSC and Mitchell Street roadway and • Dune erosion affecting Mitchell Street roadway/parking
Mitchell parking area. area, as well as private property south of Mitchell Street
Street seawall.
seawalls) Private property.
• Damage to temporary rock bag and geobag
Beach accessways. protections (e.g., rock bag structures in the southern and
northern areas).
• Loss of beach accessways.
City of Newcastle

• Loss of dune habitat and native vegetation.

• Exposure of historic civil/ building waste (potentially
contaminated).
• Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).
• Oceanic inundation of all listed assets.

12
Location Structures/ assets at risk Coastal hazards
Mitchell Mitchell Street rock revetment. • Coastal inundation of Mitchell Street roadway and
Street adjacent properties.
revetment High-pressure gas main
• Overtopping of revetment causing damage behind
along Mitchell Street.
the revetment, along Mitchell Street roadway (e.g.,
Timber access stairways recreational furniture).
connecting Mitchell Street. • Damage and failure of Mitchell Street seawall.
Mitchell Street roadway and • Damage to temporary structures on both ends of the
footpath. Mitchell Street revetment that were placed to protect
from outflanking.
Recreational furniture.
• Loss of beach accessways.
Private properties.

Barrie Barrie Crescent roadway. • Damage to rock bag seawall protecting Barrie Crescent
Crescent and Stone Street roadway and civil drainage systems
Carpark and road drainage. adjacent to revetment.
• Erosion of dune and destabilisation of coastal open
space along Eames Avenue.
• Overtopping/ coastal inundation of roadway
infrastructure (especially to the north).

Eames Dune systems. • Erosion of dune and destabilisation of coastal open

Avenue space.
frontage Beach accessways.
• Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., historic civil/ building
Dune fencing. waste).
• Coastal inundation affecting private properties,
Private properties.
especially in the northern area.
• Loss of beach accessways and dune fencing.
• Loss of dune habitat and vegetation.
• Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).

Corroba Corroba Oval sport facilities. • Erosion of dune and destabilisation of coastal open
Park area space. If erosion is allowed to continue, (i.e., mass
Dune systems. nourishment is not delivered) then shoreline recession
Dune fencing/ beach could mean future erosion events would threaten the
accessways. sporting facility, including the lights of the seaward side
of the oval.
Fullerton Street.
• Coastal inundation up to Fullerton Street, including
Private properties (e.g., Hunter private property buildings.
Water). • Loss of beach accessways and dune fencing.
• Loss of dune habitat and vegetation.
• Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).

Natural Dune systems. • Erosion of dune and destabilisation of coastal open

coastal space.
open space Dune fencing/ beach
• Loss of beach accessways and dune fencing.
to the north accessways.
• Loss of dune habitat and vegetation.
(up to Port Hunter Water sandbag wall.
Stephens • Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., Aboriginal artefacts).
LGA • Exposure of unexpected finds (e.g., historic civil/ building
boundary) waste).
• Exposure of historic landfill site.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 13

 3. Emergency coastal
management
3.1 Defining a coastal emergency
This CZEAS defines a coastal emergency as:

‘Beach erosion or coastal inundation occurring through storm activity or extreme or irregular weather events
which:

• threatens to endanger the safety or health of people in the Extended Stockton CMP area, or

• destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage any property in the Extended Stockton CMP area,
or

• causes a failure of, or a significant disruption to an essential service or infrastructure, and

• which requires a significant and co-ordinated response.’

This definition was informed by Clause 15(3) of the CM Act and Clause 1(4) of the State Emergency and Rescue
Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). The term ‘property’ is defined in Section 4 of the SERM Act and includes
property, assets and the environment.

The broader use of the term ‘emergency’ as defined in Clause 1(4) of the SERM Act and used in plans under
the SERM Act, are outside the scope of this CZEAS. This includes emergency management under local,
regional or State Emergency Management Plans (EMPLANs). The objective of an EMPLAN is to ensure the
coordinated response by all agencies having responsibilities and functions in emergencies. During an
emergency, hazard specific EMPLANs are implemented by the identified lead Combat Agency.

When a potential or actual coastal emergency is identified, it is important that the lead Combat Agency is
identified. Figure 2 provides a simplified flow chart establishing the lead Combat Agency during a coastal
emergency. During a coastal emergency, the lead Combat Agency will be the NSW SES when storm activity
triggers a response as per the EMPLAN. Storm activity that triggers an EMPLAN is defined in the NSW State
Storm Plan 2018 and typically involves a severe weather warning (or tropical cyclone warning) issued by the
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). CN would follow the direction of the Combat Agency and provide support as
outlined within CN’s Flood Emergency Sub-Plan 2020, Newcastle EMPLAN 2019, NSW Storm Plan 2018 and this
CZEAS.

When the coastal emergency is not triggered by storm activity, for example, a large swell and high tide
overtopping seawalls and presenting a risk to life or property CN are the lead agency. Action 1.4.3 of the NSW
Storm Plan 2018 identifies that the response to coastal emergencies not caused by storm activity will be
controlled and coordinated by the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON). However, if the severity
of such a coastal emergency response is outside the resources and capabilities of CN, then CN may request
the assistances from appropriate agencies. If required, the Newcastle EMPLAN could be implemented
following a request from the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO), in consultation with the LEOCON
and NSW SES.

The event triggers for such occurrences, are set out in the following sub-section (Section 3.2).
City of Newcastle

14
Figure 2. Emergency roles flowchart.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 15

 3.2 Event triggers (defining when a coastal emergency will be initiated)
As discussed above, a coastal emergency can be initiated in one of two ways:

• Storm activity and severe weather warnings that triggers the initiation of an EMPLAN.

• A non-storm activity trigger, based on the local knowledge within CN as the coastal manager in the
Extended Stockton CMP area. A coastal emergency triggered in this regard should only be for
circumstances related to an extreme or irregular event (as per S15(3) of the CM Act). CN’s triggering of
emergency coastal protection works, as set out in this subplan, is in accordance with Section 5.5.2 of the
NSW Storm Plan 2018.

Figure 3 illustrates these two triggers for initiation of an emergency response for a coastal erosion or
inundation event at Stockton. This figure also provides the criteria adopted to initiate emergency coastal
protection works.

Figure 3. Summary of criteria to initiate a coastal emergency response.

3.2.1 Storm activity (‘severe’ weather warnings)

The Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides ‘severe’ weather warnings for potentially
hazardous or dangerous weather, including damaging or destructive winds, heavy rain, abnormally high tides
and damaging waves. The BOM specifies the following thresholds when issuing warnings for ‘severe storms’
(see Clause 2.2.8 of the NSW Storm Plan 2018):

• Wind speeds equal to or exceeding 90 km/h (damaging), 125 km/h (destructive) or average wind speed
equal to or exceeding 63 km/h.

• Rainfall of sufficient intensity to cause flash flooding (generally equal to or exceeding the one in 10-year
average recurrence interval).

• Waves equal to or exceeding five metres in height in the surf zone.

City of Newcastle

• Sea level higher than 50cm above the Highest Astronomical Tide (abnormally high tides and storm surges).

Other thresholds for tornadoes and hailstones are also captured but are not relevant herein.

16
When the waves are expected to be powerful enough to cause damage to property or significant erosion to
beaches, the BOM will issue a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging or Dangerous Surf.

Section 5.1.1 of NSW Storm Plan 2018 identifies that storm response operations will be initiated by NSW SES:

• on receipt of a Bureau Severe Weather Warning.

• on receipt of a Bureau Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

• on receipt of a Bureau Tropical Cyclone Watch or Warning.

• on verbal advice from the BOM to the NSW SES.

• prior to, during or following the impact of a storm not covered by a formal warning.

3.2.2 Non-storm activity triggers

Coastal emergency situations at Stockton Beach can still develop in the absence of a BOM severe weather
warning. These generally occur when the beach is depleted of sand and during a long period swell from an
easterly direction (lower in height required to trigger a BOM warning), combined with high tides, that create
hazardous conditions. These hazardous conditions have included:

• beach and dune erosion threatening or damaging property.

• wave overtopping seawalls.

• overwashing of dunes to inundate local road and properties.

Defining triggers for these types of events is difficult and requires significant local knowledge. When
considering if a coastal emergency is likely to occur, CN shall consider:

• The condition of the beach prior to adverse conditions developing, including the sand levels across the
beach berm and surf zone. Lower sand levels (and volumes) can greatly increase the impact of the erosive
effects of a storm. CN’s staff monitor the beach levels (through visual observations and drone surveys), to
account for these levels in initiating an emergency response.

• Predicted wave conditions, including wave height, direction and period, as well as the duration of the wave
event. CN staff keep a historic record of erosion events along Stockton Beach and the associated offshore
swell conditions. These records show that swells from the south have limited erosion effects in southern
Stockton when wave heights are less than 4 metres from the south-east. Easterly and north-easterly waves
however, cause erosion sufficient to threaten coastal assets at much smaller heights. Such knowledge is key
to identifying potential damaging storms and initiating an emergency response.

• Predicted tidal range and tidal anomaly generated by storm surge.

• Presence and influence of coastal protection structures. CN staff keep a record of all existing structures
which have a risk of outflanking at the edges and a risk of scour at the base of the structures.

• Condition of dune vegetation. Dune vegetation provides a buffer to coastal erosion. Dune vegetation levels
vary, according to the use of the beach, seasons and coastal works. CN staff regularly monitor vegetation
levels to account for these levels in initiating an emergency response.

Initially, these triggers activate the early emergency response actions in Table 4, without initiating an EMPLAN
response or mobilisation of the SES. Should the coastal emergency exceed the resources and capacity of CN,
the EMPLAN can be initiated in consultation with the LEMC and the SES.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 17

 3.3 Roles and responsibilities
State-wide roles and responsibilities of emergency service organisations are set out in the NSW EMPLAN, NSW
Storm Plan 2018 and NSW Flood Plan. Regionally, specific roles and responsibilities for agencies within the
Newcastle LGA are set out in the Newcastle EMPLAN 2019. Regional roles and responsibilities of key agencies
during floods, coastal inundation and coastal erosion are detailed further in CN’s Flood Emergency Subplan.
Table 2 lists emergency response agencies and their roles and responsibilities under this CZEAS.

Co-ordination roles across coastal emergency response agencies are described as:

• LEOCON (Local Emergency Operations Controller): is a police officer stationed within the Newcastle LGA
and appointed by the Regional Emergency Operations Controller (REOCON). As stated above, the NSW
Storm Plan dictates that emergency management in response to coastal erosion, that is not caused by
storm activity, will be controlled and coordinated by the LEOCON.
The LEOCON is responsible, when requested by a Combat Agency, to co-ordinate the provision of resource
support. LEOCONs would not normally assume control from a Combat Agency unless the situation can no
longer be contained. Where necessary, this should only be done after consultation with the REOCON and in
agreement with the Combat Agency and involve an appropriate level of control.

• LEMC (Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is a representative committee (as per the SERM
Act), which includes CN’s CEO, LEOCON, and senior members of each of the emergency service
organisations operating in the Newcastle area. The LEMC is responsible for the preparation and review of
plans in relation to the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from (PPRR) emergencies in
the Newcastle LGA.

• LEMO (Local Emergency Management Officer) is a CN officer who provides executive support to the LEMC
and LEOCON, in accordance with the SERM Act.

Table 2. Roles and responsibilities for coastal emergency response agencies at Stockton.

Agency Responsibilities
City of Newcastle CN is a designated public authority with responsibility for the care, control and
management of public land, which includes much of the Stockton foreshore and local
roads. CN’s responsibilities regarding coastal emergencies are summarised as:
• if elected to be undertaken, the carrying out (or authorising and coordinating) of
emergency coastal protection works identified in Section 3.6, to protect public and
private assets from coastal erosion and inundation.
• implementing the emergency actions set out in Section , as relevant, prior, during
and following a coastal emergency in the Extended Stockton CMP area.
• assisting, at their request, the lead Combat Agency (NSW SES) or other combat
agencies (NSW Police or LEOCON) in dealing with coastal emergencies.
• assisting the NSW SES with reconnaissance of areas susceptible to coastal erosion
and/or inundation and providing advice regarding the need for response actions
by the NSW SES, such as evacuations.
• preparing, maintaining and updating this CZEAS as necessary and providing the
NSW SES with a copy.
City of Newcastle

18
Agency Responsibilities
NSW SES The responsibilities of the NSW SES in emergencies is outlined in Annexure B of the
(Newcastle unit Newcastle EMPLAN 2019, and includes:
member) • to protect persons from dangers to their safety and health, and to protect property
from destruction or damage, arising from floods, storms and tsunamis.
• to act as the Combat Agency for damage control for storms and to co-ordinate
the evacuation and welfare of affected communities.
The specific response tasks, preparedness activities and training responsibilities
of the NSW SES (Newcastle unit members) are set out in Section 1.5.3 of CN’s
Flood Emergency Sub Plan and not repeated herein. Sandbagging is a NSW SES
responsibility, but this response strategy is limited to small sandbags used to protect
property from flooding or coastal inundation risk.
The NSW SES is not responsible or authorised to undertake coastal protection works
(such as placement of large sand filled geotextile containers or rock bags) or other
physical erosion mitigation works.

NSW Police Force The Newcastle EMPLAN 2019 sets out the responsibilities of the NSW Police Force
during coastal emergencies, and includes:
• law enforcement.
• search and rescue.
• controlling and coordinating the evacuation of victims from the area affected by
the emergency.
• responding to referrals of cases of refusal to evacuate (i.e., in accordance with an
Evacuation Order).

Bureau of The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is Australia’s national weather, climate and
Meteorology water agency, and provides regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice,
(BoM) including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. The release of
‘severe’ weather warnings provides the trigger for the initiation of EMPLAN response
operations for a coastal erosion/inundation event (see section 3.1).

Ambulance Assist with the evacuation of at-risk community members (elderly and/or infirm
Service of NSW people).

Fire and Rescue • Assist the NSW SES with delivery of evacuation warnings and the conduct of
NSW (FRNSW) evacuations.
• Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying
areas.
• Provide back-up radio communications.
• Assist with clean-up operations, including hosing of flood affected properties.
• Respond to hazardous materials incidents occurring on land (above the low water
mark). From the low tide mark to 3NM from Nobby’s Lighthouse is the responsibility
of the Port of Newcastle with FRNSW being a supporting agency.

Surf Life Saving Assist the NSW SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities and
NSW flood rescue operations.

Hunter Water and Respond, if required, to coastal emergencies, to protect landward assets/landfills
other northern on respective land tenures. Any emergency coastal protection works must be in
landholders accordance with the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021, and are subject to the
appropriate approvals.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 19

 3.4 Map of emergency coastal protection works
Potential locations for emergency protection works are shown in Figure 4. In arriving at these potential
locations, consideration was given to the following:

• the adopted Extended Stockton CMP strategy of mass nourishment is expected to be delivered within five
years of the CMP’s certification, with on-going sand top-ups thereafter and amenity nourishment delivered
in the interim.

• the location of existing and planned permanent or interim coastal protection works, which are depicted in
Figure 4. Planned permanent or interim protection structures are those within the Stockton CMP 2020 or
related to actions in this Extended Stockton CMP. Where a planned permanent/interim structure has not
been delivered at the time of a coastal emergency, emergency works would be considered in these
locations and are therefore included as potential locations.

• While not shown on the map, beach nourishment as an emergency coastal protection response, would be
preferred for all of the Extended Stockton CMP shoreline, in the case that such works could be implemented
shortly following a storm.

In addition to the above overarching considerations, further location specific rationale is provided in Table 3.
In any given coastal emergency, locations requiring emergency coastal protection works will be dependent
on a range of variables including (but not limited to) swell size, swell direction, the current state of the beach
and the condition of existing protective measures (rock revetment, rock bags and sandbags).
City of Newcastle

20
Table 3. Rational and description of emergency coastal protection works by shoreline frontage.

Shoreline Rationale for potential locations of emergency coastal protection works

frontage
Holiday Park A new development masterplan for the Holiday Park is planned in the short term (see
Extended Stockton CMP action CH1D), which will include the landward relocation of all
assets behind the 2040 ZRFC hazard line (CN, 2023). The masterplan will need to be
completed by the second half of 2025 to support this process. Seaward of the 2040
hazard line, there could be a focus on ‘clip in’ or temporary infrastructure, e.g., glamping.
This will enable the park to adapt and migrate forward and backward. The renewal of
permanent infrastructure landward will ensure longevity of the park’s infrastructure and
safeguard the investment.
For this reason, emergency coastal protection works are limited to:
I. the northern most extent of this frontage, being at the southern end of the existing
SLSC rock seawall, and
II. The existing breakwater at the southern-most extending in the case it again becomes
at risk of outflanking.
This CMP includes coastal protection works in both these locations. The rationale for
emergency coastal protection works in this area is to avoid outflanking in front of the
Holiday Park and on the southern side of the SLSC seawall, which would threaten Lexies
Cafe. Emergency coastal protection works would only be required in the event that
the planned permanent coastal protection structures were not already in place in this
location. There are actions in the CMP associated with the design, planning approvals and
construction of these structures.
For this CZEAS, the emergency coastal protection works proposed for this location would
consist of:
• Extent: (south to north) from the King Street breakwater to marry into the southern end of
the existing SLSC seawall (see Figure 4).
• Form: this will depend on the status of the concept designs and planning approvals
at the time of the emergency response. If planning approvals have been received, the
emergency coastal protection works are to be adapted from the approved concept
designs and are likely to consist of large sand filled geotextile containers or rock bags
placed as a revetment. If there are no planning approvals in place, these will need to be
obtained. The form of the emergency works will be in line with those set out in the SEPP
(Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

Seawalls There are existing engineered structures along these frontages and therefore no new
(SLSC, emergency coastal protection works would be required. However, emergency measures to
Mitchell ensure these structures do not fail structurally (e.g., from outflanking or excessive toe scour)
Street should be considered, as well as responses to mitigate coastal inundation from excessive
and Barrie wave overtopping of these structures.
Cresent
rock bag
structure)

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 21

 Shoreline Rationale for potential locations of emergency coastal protection works
frontage
Dalby Oval This frontage was the focus of a feasibility assessment and included management options
and ‘The that considered the foreshore assets, as well as the risks associated with the historical
Pines’ landfill (Bluecoast, 2023). The preferred interim management option, prior to the delivery of
mass nourishment, was to nourish and protect all but the southern portion. The locations
for potential emergency coastal protection works aligns to the outcomes of this feasibility
assessment and are included herein as a precautionary measure, should any coastal
emergencies trigger the need for a protection response, prior to the interim works being
completed. Emergency coastal protection works would only be required in the event that
the planned permanent coastal protection structures were not already in place in this
location. There are actions in the CMP associated with the design, planning approvals and
construction of protection works along this frontage, based on the outcomes documented
in the feasibility assessment.
For this CZEAS, the emergency coastal protection works proposed for this location would
consist of:
• Extents: two separate structures - being (1) just north of the existing SLSC revetment, to
limit outflanking; and (2) from just south of ‘The Pines’ to marry into the southern end of
the existing permanent seawall that is located at the southern end of the Mitchell Street
rock revetment (see Figure 4). These extents are as per the planned coastal protection
works in the Extended Stockton CMP.
• Form: this will depend on the status of concept design and planning approvals at the
time of the emergency response. If the planning approvals have been received, the
emergency coastal protection works are to be adapted from the approved concept
designs and are likely to consist of large sand filled geotextile containers or rock bags
placed as a revetment. If there are no planning approvals in place, these will need to be
obtained. The form of the emergency works will be in line with those set out in the SEPP
(Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

Eames Ave Should erosion progress landward to threaten the road, emergency coastal protection
(north of works would be implemented to protect this asset. This is consistent with the protection of
Griffith Ave) critical infrastructure approach, taken by CN in the Stockton CMP 2020 and the Extended
Stockton CMP. Located along the northern end of Stockton, the Eames Ave frontage is
exposed to strong ocean swells. Based on previous experience, any coastal protection
works, emergency works, or otherwise, would likely need to be constructed from rock
bags (or more stable material). As this falls outside the planning provisions for emergency
coastal protection works, CN would need to seek prior approval for these coastal
protection works (see Section 3.5).
The triggers for initiation of emergency (or otherwise) coastal protection works along this
frontage are defined in Figure 3. Trigger 3 is an escarpment of 15m from the built asset,
which in this case would be 15m from the seaward side of the Eames Ave roadway.
For this CZEAS, the emergency coastal protection works proposed for this location would
consist of:
• Extent: (south to north) married onto the northern end of Barrie Cresent rock bag seawall
and extending to just beyond the northern end of Meredith Street (see Figure 4).
• Form: this will depend on status of concept design and planning approvals at the
time of the emergency response. If the planning approvals have been received, the
emergency coastal protection works are to be adapted from the approved concept
designs and are likely to consist of large sand filled geotextile containers or rock bags
placed as a revetment. If there are no planning approvals in place, these will need to be
obtained. The form of the emergency works will be in line with those set out in the SEPP
(Resilience and Hazards) 2021.
City of Newcastle

22
Shoreline Rationale for potential locations of emergency coastal protection works
frontage
Corroba Oval Corroba Oval is a high usage sportsground all year round and home to three local
clubs, including premier cricket and local school and community clubs. There is no other
CN sportsground available in a nearby location that meets the field of play size and
infrastructure requirements, and this specific sport facility’s guidelines. In the event of a
coastal emergency threatening Corroba Oval, CN’s intent would be to protect it because
the social impact of a significant community asset being out of action for potentially
multiple years is considered unacceptable. As with the Eames Ave frontage, a rock bag
structure (or more stable material) would likely need to be constructed.
The triggers for initiation of emergency (or otherwise) coastal protection works along this
frontage are defined in Figure 3. Trigger 3 is an escarpment of 15m from the built asset,
which in this case would be 15m from the floodlights located on the seaward side of the
oval.
For this CZEAS, the emergency coastal protection works proposed for this location would
consist of:
• Extent: (south to north) just south of Griffith Street and extending to just beyond the
northern end of Corroba Oval (see Figure 4).
• Form: this will depend on status of concept design and planning approvals at the time
of the emergency response. If planning approvals have been received, the emergency
coastal protection works are to be adapted from the approved concept designs and
are likely to consist of rock bags placed as a revetment (with a similar construction as
the rock bag revetment at Barrie Cresent). If there are no planning approvals in place,
these would need to be obtained. The form of the emergency works will be in line with
those set-out in the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

Hunter Water The parts of the Hunter Water site that currently require coastal protection (i.e. the former
site landfill area) already have temporary coastal protection works in place. These were
constructed in 2019, with an anticipated design life of five to seven years. Any emergency
coastal protection works required by Hunter Water, would need to be in line with existing
approvals (i.e. to repair/modify the existing coastal protection works) or the SEPP
(Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

Hunter Water There are no emergency coastal protection works identified within the CMP area to the
site to LGA north of the Hunter Water site. In the case that coastal erosion exposed yet unknown sites
boundary that warranted emergency protection (e.g. landfill materials that cannot be practically
removed, sites of cultural heritage value, unacceptable risk to infrastructure etc.),
appropriate emergency measures would need to be implemented in accordance with
relevant regulations and guidelines.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 23

City of Newcastle

Figure 4: Potential locations of emergency coastal protection works.

24
3.5 Required approvals
Section 27 of the CM Act contains provisions dealing with the granting of development consent for
development for the purpose of coastal protection works, with Section 4 (1) of the CM Act defining coastal
protection works to mean:
a. beach nourishment activities or works, and
b. activities or works to reduce the impact of coastal hazards on land adjacent to tidal waters, including (but
not limited to) seawalls, revetments and groynes.
Section 2.16 of the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021 states that development for the purpose of coastal
protection works may be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority:
a. without development consent - if the coastal protection works are identified in the relevant certified
Coastal Management Program, or beach nourishment, or the placing of sandbags for a period of not more
than 90 days, or routine maintenance works or repairs to any existing coastal protection works, or
c. with development consent - in any other case.
The SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021 also provides that development for the purpose of emergency coastal
protection works is exempt development if it is carried out by or on behalf of a public authority in accordance
with a Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan. Emergency coastal protection works means works
comprising:

• the placement of sand, or

• the placing of sandbags2 for a period of not more than 90 days, on a beach, or a sand dune adjacent to a
beach, to mitigate the effects of coastal hazards on land.

For CN to construct emergency coastal protection works that are not consistent with the above (i.e., anything
other than the placement of sand, or sandbag protection for 90 days) planning approvals will be required.

If the works are identified in a certified CMP, then the development permitted without consent planning
pathway can be used (i.e. assessment via a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) under Part 5 of the EP&A
Act).

If the emergency coastal protection works do not fit into any of these categories, development consent would
be required, and a Joint Regional Planning Panel with coastal expertise would be the consent authority.

2 As defined in the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021. .

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 25

 3.6 Actions of the CZEAS
This CZEAS includes actions during the four phases of the emergency management cycle:

1. Prevention: actions are provided in Table 4.

2. Prepare: actions are provided in Table 5.

3. Respond: actions are provided in Table 6.

4. Recover: actions are provided in Table 7.

The implementation of actions detailed in Table 4 to Table 7 are dependent on several factors, including
ensuring the WHS requirements for personnel, available resources, the necessary agreements and approvals,
budget and time constraints. All of these factors will need to be considered in determining whether the
emergency actions will be reasonable and feasible to implement.

Detailed information to operationalise the actions outlined in Table 4 to Table 7 will be included in CN’s
accompanying Emergency Operational Plans - Coastal Incident & Inundation. This plan will set out internal
delegations for actions within the tables below, against current roles within the organisation and will be
reviewed and updated as necessary. Care is required to ensure that this Emergency Operational Plan, as they
apply to Stockton, remain consistent with and does not go beyond what is described herein (i.e. the
Emergency Operational Plan - Coastal Incident & Inundation should add details to aid implementation and
should not add any further actions or change the locations/extents of emergency coastal protection works).

Prevention and mitigation measures in relation to infrastructure works, asset management, land use and
development controls are not within the scope of this CZEAS.

Table 4: Phase 1: prevention emergency response actions.

Action Timing Responsibility Action /Reporting

ID (Support)
1.1 Within 12 LEMO Support the NSW SES / NSW Police / FRNSW to review, develop,
months and align agency specific emergency incident actions,
evacuation and communication plans for Stockton, through the
Local Emergency Management Committee. These should be
consistent with this Stockton CZEAS and be incorporated into the
next scheduled review of the Newcastle EMPLAN (2019).

1.2 Within 12 CN Review existing evacuation plans, in collaboration with the NSW
months SES, with the aim to identify new evacuation places and to
investigate effective integration of the Stockton Beach Holiday
Park evacuation plan into CN’s emergency procedures.

1.3 Within 12 CN Ensure that all references to the Coastal Zone Management Plan
months (Stockton) in the Newcastle EMPLAN are reviewed and updated
as necessary to reflect the Extended Stockton CMP.

1.4 Ongoing CN Establish and deliver CN’s Emergency Operational Plans, to

(EMC) guide CN’s response to coastal emergencies across the disaster
management cycle. Informed by this CZEAS, these Plans will set
out internal delegations, resourcing, training, testing and post
action reviews and documentation to support any common
operating platform for CN.
City of Newcastle

Monitor and evaluate the implementation of CN’s Emergency

Operational Plans after an emergency event and amend where
necessary. Any amendments to the Emergency Operational Plans
need to be consistent with and not go beyond the scope of this
CZEAS.

26
Action Timing Responsibility Action /Reporting
ID (Support)
1.5 Within 3 CN Prepare a communications strategy that provides information
months to the community before, during and after emergency events.
and This strategy is to establish CN contacts and roles for the
ongoing implementation of this strategy.
Confirm internal arrangements for media/spokesperson roles.
Advise owners of affected properties that their dwellings may be
at risk in a coastal emergency.
Provide ongoing information to residents and property owners
about safe recreational usage, coastal erosion, and inundation
hazards.
Engage with the Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties, in
accordance with the Worimi Engagement Protocols.
Promote a clear single point of contact and information source
for all public enquiries.
Investigate any opportunities to embed the AIIMS roles for
communications during coastal emergency events.

1.6 Within 12 CN Investigate partnering with the NSW SES, to provide general
months information to Stockton residents and owners about coastal
erosion and inundation hazards.
Investigate partnering with the NSW SES, to engage with a
subset of potentially impacted residents to build local community
resilience, e.g., by supporting residents to have their own
household and neighbourhood emergency plans.

1.7 Ongoing CN Support leaseholders of CN properties to prepare emergency

response and /or business continuity plans.
Provide best available coastal hazard and warning information
to leaseholders for the purposes of these plans.

1.8 Ongoing CN Maintain a map (see Figure 4) and create a database of all
current coastal structures with their type and condition. Conduct
regular updates of the asset register following each major storm
event, and when existing structures are modified or when new
structures are constructed.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 27

 Table 5: Phase 2 (prepare) emergency response actions.

Action Timing Responsibility Action / reporting

ID (Support)
2.1 Ongoing CN Conduct informal weekly monitoring of beach conditions,
including weather (measurements, warnings and forecasts), wave
forecasts (height and direction), water level (tidal) predictions,
real time wave data (height, period and direction), real time
water level data (including consideration of elevated water levels
due to storm surge), and beach behaviour (extent of erosion,
beach width, erosion escarpment and historical beach behaviour
at times of storms) Tools such as the Australian Coastal Early
Warning System ([Link] should be
considered, particularly as this system is further developed, to
give a seven-day forecast of beach erosion and coastal flooding
hazards.
Report significant change in weather conditions, beach
conditions or erosion escarpment to CN management.

2.2 Ongoing LEMO Distribute an up-to-date contact list to the LEMC with after-
hours emergency phone contacts for early warning purposes in
case of a storm event, including but not limited to internal CN
contacts, Stockton SLSC, Stockton Beach Holiday Park, NSW
SES, NSW Police, FRNSW, Hunter Water, DPE and the designated
Public Information Officer (or similar).

2.3 Ongoing CN Maintain procedures and guidelines, including the Worimi

Engagement Protocols, for monitoring, emergency inspections,
damage/risk assessments, and “make safe” and reactive works,
to ensure public and worker safety, including site inspections of
relevant assets and hazard areas (Section 2.4 and Section 3.4).
Management of storm debris (potentially including slag,
contaminated soil, asbestos and other potentially hazardous
waste materials. Such material may require special attention to
minimise risks to the environment and public health).
Installation, monitoring and maintaining exclusion zones and
other “make safe” measures (barriers, fences and signage). This
may include CN managed:
• public accessways to the beach and dune fencing.
• beach facilities and open space.
• roads and footpaths.
• emergency work sites.
• locations of identified waste at risk of being exposed to
erosion.
Removal and dismantling of the above exclusion and “make safe”
measures.

2.4 Ongoing CN Maintain the portfolio describing relevant details of all properties
and assets adjacent to Stockton Beach, including property
information, ownership and notation of which properties and
assets may require additional assistance with evacuation.
City of Newcastle

28
Action Timing Responsibility Action / reporting
ID (Support)
2.5 Ongoing CN Ensure site suitable barriers, fencing and signage are available
and ready for deployment to effectively close or “make safe” CN
managed:
• public accessways to the beach.
• beach facilities and open space.
• roads and footpaths.
• emergency work sites.
• locations of waste at risk of being exposed by erosion.

2.6 Within 12 CN Undertake the design and necessary environmental and cultural
months assessments, and obtain the required approvals, for potential
coastal protection works, e.g., rock bags, where these works
would be expected to fall outside the definition of emergency
coastal protection works in the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards)
2021.

2.7 Every 6 CN Prepare logistics and supply chain contingency plans for the
months likely resources needed to implement potential emergency works,
for example, geotextile products, geobags, sandbags, sand and
ancillary equipment.
Review the list of suppliers for, and availability of, non-stockpiled
materials which may be required for intended emergency works,
such as sand or rock.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 29

 Table 6: Phase 3 (response) emergency response actions.

Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting

ID (Support)

BOM issues a 3.1 CN Undertake regular monitoring and reporting of weather,

“Severe Weather wave forecasts and beach conditions.
Warning for
3.2 CN Undertake regular on-ground monitoring of
Damaging Surf”
environmental conditions and beach behaviour and
OR close all potentially impacted areas.
“Severe Weather
3.3 CN Notify relevant CN staff that a coastal erosion event is
Warning for Storm
possible or likely.
Tides”
Confirm the availability of labour and resources for
OR
“make safe” arrangements and inspections for the
CN staff identify
duration of an emergency event, including the early
a likely coastal
warning, response and early recovery phases.
erosion event
Confirm and circulate emergency contact details to
LEMO.
Follow the requirements of the Worimi Engagement
Protocols.

3.4 CN Deliver early warning and response components of

communications strategy as situation develops.
Consult with LEMO / other agencies, as required.

3.5 CN Identify areas where “make safe” measures are needed

and deploy.
Consider where potential emergency coastal
protection measures may be required in high-risk areas
and deploy as necessary, where approval processes
have already been prepared.

Significant erosion 3.6 CN Increase the frequency of web-based monitoring

escarpment forms and keep records of any weather warnings/reports of
and predicted erosion.
increase in storm
3.7 CN Gather evidence of erosion escarpment and provide
threat.
LEMO/ Combat Agency coordinator.
Note: Actions in
Respond with “make safe” or site management, as
response to this
required and practical.
trigger are to be
applied to all 3.8 CN If access is required to facilitate emergency actions
trigger responses or actions under the direction of the LEMO/Combat
below Agency, implement necessary temporary access works.

3.9 CN Monitor and assess roads, and if considered unsafe,

organise temporary closures through barricades and
safety signage.

3.10 CN Notify all appropriate stakeholders, including the

LEMO, with a request to be on standby for a possible
emergency meeting.
City of Newcastle

30
Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting
ID (Support)

Top of erosion 3.11 CN Inform LEMO that emergency meeting with relevant
escarpment within (LEMO) stakeholders is required. LEMO will notify relevant
20m of built asset stakeholders in consultation with Combat Agency
with predicted coordinator. (NSW SES)
increase in storm
threat
OR
Wave
overtopping/
coastal inundation
is affecting private
or public land
OR
Predicted increase
in storm threat
by BoM (waves
exceeding 7m and
tides exceeding
1.6m or storm
surge greater than
0.6m)

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 31

 Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting
ID (Support)

Top of erosion 3.12 CN When requested by the LEOCON, in conjunction with

escarpment the NSW SES, and as required:
within 15m of a Establish and maintain a Local Emergency Operations
(LEMO, NSW
built asset with a Centre (LEOC) and provide the LEOCON with executive
SES Incident
predicted increase support through the LEMO. When this occurs, CN’s
Controller)
in storm threat Incident Management Team (IMT) need to consider
OR backfilling the role of the Emergency Management
Significant wave Coordinator (EMC) if the EMC is also the LEMO.
overtopping/ Provide support staff for the LEOC.
coastal inundation Provide human resources, plant, equipment, materials
is affecting private and services, as required, in dealing with an incident or
or public land. emergency.
Provide support to combat agencies and functional
area agencies, as required, including:
• reconnaissance of the area affected by the
emergency.
• conduct a post-disaster damage assessment.
Assist, at their request, the NSW Police, Fire and Rescue
NSW, Ambulance Service and NSW SES in dealing with
any incident or emergency.
Assist in any other emergency management prevention,
preparedness or recovery operations, including
emergency management training, for which the CN’s
training and equipment is suitable.
At the request of the LEOCON, coordinate disaster
recovery operations, excluding welfare assistance
to disaster victims for whom Department of Family
and Community Services – Community Services is
responsible.
Provide the engineering resources required for response
and recovery operations, including:
• damage assessment.
• clearing and re-establishing roads and bridges.
• demolishing and shoring-up buildings and removing
debris.
• constructing and maintaining temporary levees and
evacuation routes, when appropriate.
• erecting barricades and fences for public protection.
Providing a liaison officer and executive support to the
LEOC and LEOCON or Combat Agency Controller.
Providing an appropriately qualified officer to assist
the District Environmental Functional Area Coordinator
in relation to environmental emergency management
matters.
City of Newcastle

32
Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting
ID (Support)

3.13 CN Gather evidence and/or coastal and geotechnical

(LEMO) engineering advice from suitably qualified person(s),
where required, of erosion escarpment/inundation,
including location and other appropriate information.
Provide evidence to emergency meeting stakeholders
(3.12)

3.14 CN Provide evidence to the LEOC/LEMC to determine

(LEMO) whether an evacuation plan should be triggered /
implemented for private / CN buildings, facilitated
through a meeting called by the Combat Agency
coordinator or LEOCON via the LEMO.

3.15 CN Revisit need to trigger or update emergency access

(3.8) or road closures (3.9)

3.16 CN Contact CN’s utility service providers to request the

disconnection of electrical and gas services, and/or
sewerage / water to CN facilities, if required.

3.17 CN Liaise with managers of the Stockton Beach Holiday

Park to:
• assist with barricading and fencing the Holiday
Park’s beach accesses.
• assist with traffic management.
• authorise closure and opening of the Holiday Park in
coordination with Holiday Park managers.
• assist the NSW SES/ NSW Police, if requested, in the
evacuation of residents, as required.

Decision is made 3.18 CN Transport all necessary materials and equipment for
during emergency “make safe” erosion control or inundation protection
meeting to to locations where emergency response works are
implement required.
emergency
3.19 CN Restrict public access where emergency coastal
coastal protection
protection works are to be implemented.
works
3.20 CN Implement emergency coastal protection works
(this may include on Crown Land with appropriate
permissions) and record all actions taken. Measures
are to be undertaken in consultation with a suitably
qualified coastal or geotechnical engineer. Emergency
coastal protection works, and other implementation
actions, may include a range of activities, including:
• emergency coastal protection works as defined in
the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021, (sand and
sandbags placed for no more than 90-days).
• coastal protection works, as an emergency response,
where designs and approvals have already been
obtained (for more details, see Table 3).
• repair of existing emergency coastal structures in
place.
• erecting temporary barriers.
• emergency vehicle access.
• containment of waste at risk of exposure by erosion.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 33

 Table 7: Phase 4 (recover) emergency response actions.

Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting

ID (Support)
Storm and 4.1 CN Conduct a handover of roles and site management, as
erosion event works transfer from early response to late recovery works,
has abated and according to the roles and responsibilities defined in CN’s
safe to conduct Emergency Operational Plans.
post- storm Conduct built and natural asset inspections and risk
activities assessments of any damage incurred.
Define clean-up needs and work orders, including for:
• beach debris.
• exposure of building/civil waste or contaminated soils.
• exposure of unexpected finds exposed by erosion (e.g.,
Aboriginal artefacts). This process should be addressed
with the Worimi Indigenous Archaeologist / Worimi
RAPs, and in accordance with the Worimi Engagement
Protocols.’
• updated “make safe” works requests (including
signage/exclusion). “Make safe” measures (e.g.,
sandbags) are removed if their removal does not cause
an immediate increase of risk to public safety/ assets.
If the risk still exists, the emergency structures should
be maintained until interim protection measures (sand
nourishment/ rock bags/ rocks) are implemented
following the approval process within the CMP
framework.
• short and medium repairs to damaged infrastructure
and assets and access ways.
• short- and medium-term repairs to dune systems and
vegetation.
• scope and implement short to medium term remedial
actions, as required.
Notify appropriate Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties
(RAPs), as per the requirements of the Worimi Engagement
Protocols.
Implement required/preventative works that are
referenced in the Extended Stockton CMP, once safe /
coastal system has sufficiently recovered.

4.2 CN Monitor the performance of emergency coastal

protection works and tasks identified in 4.1. This would
include removing any emergency coastal protection
works placed in an emergency within their 90-day limits,
as required under the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021.
Take remedial action, as required.

4.3 CN Deliver early and medium-term recovery components of

communications strategy.
Release warnings of any persisting hazards e.g., high,
unstable or near vertical erosion escarpments collapsing
City of Newcastle

without notice.

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 Trigger Action Responsibility Action /Reporting
ID (Support)
4.4 CN Ensure power, sewerage and water services are safely
reconnected within CN facilities.

4.5 CN Contact utility service providers to request reconnection

of electrical services to the affected area.

4.6 CN Request written damage assessments by suitably

qualified professionals to confirm any evacuated CN
facilities are safe.
Co-ordinate return of evacuated people and belongings
to CN facilities and areas deemed safe.

4.7 CN Restock emergency materials and supplies for future

erosion events.

4.8 EMC Conduct a post-event debrief with the emergency

response team, to review lessons learned and
opportunities for improvement.

4.9 CN Communicate with the community on further actions to

be undertaken.

Review of 4.10 LEMO Post emergency, review the CZEAS and CN’s Emergency
emergency Operational Plans, and update documents as required.
actions
4.11 CN Review and collate records of the event, actions taken
and issues identified, and retain for reporting or future
reference.

3.7 Stockton CZEAS implementation and review

This Stockton CZEAS applies from the date of gazettal of the Extended Stockton CMP. CN will monitor and
evaluate the implementation of the Stockton CZEAS after an emergency event and amend where necessary.

Operational changes and adjustments will be made to CN’s accompanying Emergency Operational Plans, as
set out in Section 4, in accordance with the Stockton CZEAS.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 35

 4. References
Bluecoast, 2020. Stockton Beach coastal erosion hazard assessment. Report prepared for City of Newcastle.

Bluecoast, 2021. Technical Note – Stockton Beach coastal inundation assessment. Report prepared for City of
Newcastle.

Bluecoast, 2023. Feasibility Assessment Stockton Extended CMP. Report prepared for the City of Newcastle.

NSW Government, 2022. NSW coastal water marine pollution plan - A sub plan of the State Emergency
Management Plan and the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

Office of Environment and Heritage, 2018. NSW Coastal Management Manual.

City of Newcastle and State Emergency Management Committee, 2022. City of Newcastle Flood Emergency
Sub Plan.

NSW State Emergency Service, 2018. Newcastle Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

City of Newcastle, 2019. Newcastle Local Emergency Management Plan (Newcastle EMPLAN).

State Emergency Management Committee, 2018. New South Wales State Emergency Management Plan (NSW
EMPLAN).

State Emergency Management Committee, 2021. New South Wales State Flood Plan.

State Emergency Management Committee, 2018. New South Wales Storm Plan.

New South Wales Government, 2016. NSW Recovery Plan.

City of Newcastle

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Appendix A: Planning
and legislative context
Introduction
The legislative framework and its relationship with emergency coastal management at Stockton is illustrated
in broad terms in Figure 5. The Stockton CZEAS was developed consistently with plans prepared under the
State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). The scope of each legislation and
requirements, in relation to the Stockton CZEAS, are detailed in the following sections.

Figure 5: Legislative framework and its relationship with coastal management at Stockton.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 37

 State Emergency and Rescue
Management Act 1989
The overarching framework for emergency Arrangements established by the SERM Act are
management in New South Wales is established by explained in Emergency Management Arrangements
the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act for NSW (NSW Government, 2016) and on the NSW
1989 (SERM Act). The SERM Act defines an emergency Emergency website. The NSW State Emergency
as follows: Management Plan 2018 (NSW EMPLAN) describes the
NSW approach to emergency management, the
1. In this Act: emergency means an emergency due
governance and coordination arrangements, and
to an actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire,
roles and responsibilities of agencies. The objectives
flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, terrorist act,
of the NSW EMPLAN are to:
accident, epidemic or warlike action) which:
• Provide clarity as to command and control, roles
a. endangers, or threatens to endanger, the
and coordination of functions in emergency
safety or health of persons or animals in the
management across all levels.
State, or
• Emphasise risk management across the full
b. destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy
spectrum of prevention, preparation, response and
or damage, property in the State, or
recovery.
c. causes a failure of, or a significant disruption to,
• Emphasise community engagement in the
an essential service or infrastructure, being an
development and exercise of plans as well as in
emergency, which requires a significant and
their operational employment.
coordinated response.
• Ensure that the capability and resourcing
2. For the purposes of the definition of emergency,
requirements of these responsibilities are
property in the State includes any part of the
understood.
environment of the State. Accordingly, a reference
in this Act to:
The NSW SES is the designated combat agency for
a. threats or danger to property includes a
the management of floods, tsunami and storms,
reference to threats or danger to the
including severe storms which can be associated
environment, and
with coastal erosion.
b. the protection of property includes a reference
The NSW SES prepared the NSW Storm Subplan,
to the protection of the environment.
NSW State Flood Plan and NSW Tsunami Subplan,
which are subplans to the NSW EMPLAN.
The SERM Act outlines roles and responsibilities for all
emergency management in New South Wales. The
Act specifies:

• That emergency management committees are

established at the state, regional and local levels.

• That emergency management plans (EMPLANs)

are prepared and reviewed at the state, regional
and local level.

• Arrangements for controlling emergency

operations.

• Responsibilities of emergency operations

controllers.
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Coastal erosion caused by storm activity is within the scope of the NSW Storm Plan (NSW SES, 2018); which
clarifies the respective roles of the NSW SES and local government in relation to coastal erosion as follows:

• Local Government is to activate Coastal Zone Erosion Emergency Action Sub Plans as required (Action
5.2.10).

• Local Government is to implement emergency works - including construction of physical works (Action
5.3.6.b).

• NSW SES coordinate the protection (relocation/ removal) of readily moveable household and commercial
contents where time and resources permit when property is at risk from coastal erosion (Action 5.3.6.a).

• NSW SES will control and coordinate the evacuation of affected communities/properties when there is a
risk to public safety (Action 5.7.2).

Under Action 1.4.3 of the NSW Storm Plan, the emergency management of coastal erosion that is not caused
by storm activity will be controlled and coordinated by the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON).

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 39

 Coastal Management Act 2016
The Coastal Management Act (2016) (CM Act) identifies specific emergency management considerations
associated with beach erosion, coastal inundation and cliff instability. Section 15(1)(e)) of the CM Act outlines
that a Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan (CZEAS) must be included in a CMP if the local council’s Local
Government Area contains land within the coastal vulnerability area (CVA), and beach erosion, coastal
inundation or cliff instability is occurring on that land.

While at the commencement of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021, no
Coastal Vulnerability Area (CVA) map was adopted and therefore no CVA has been identified within the
Newcastle LGA, it is recognised that Stockton Beach has been impacted by coastal erosion on numerous
occasions and it is considered appropriate to develop a CZEAS for this location.

Mandatory requirements for a CMP, including the preparation of a CZEAS where required, are identified in Part
A of the Coastal Management Manual (OEH, 2018). Further direction on the preparation of a CZEAS is
provided in the “Guideline for preparing a coastal zone emergency action subplan” by the Department of
Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE, 2019).

Below are the relevant statutory provisions from the Coastal Management Act 2016, Section 15, Matters to be
dealt with in coastal management program, that apply to this CZEA.

1. A coastal management program must—

(a)  identify the coastal management issues affecting the areas to which the program is to apply, and

(b)  identify the actions required to address those coastal management issues in an integrated and
strategic manner, and

(c)  identify how and when those actions are to be implemented, including those to be implemented by
local councils under Chapter 13 of the Local Government Act 1993, those to be implemented under
environmental planning instruments and development control plans under the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979 and those to be implemented by public authorities (other than the local council), and

(d)  identify the costs of those actions and proposed cost-sharing arrangements and other viable funding
mechanisms for those actions to ensure the delivery of those actions is consistent with the timing for their
implementation under the coastal management program, and

(e)  if the local council’s local government area contains land within the coastal vulnerability area and
beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability is occurring on that land, include a coastal zone
emergency action subplan.

2. A coastal management program may also include other matters as may be authorised or permitted by the
coastal management manual.

3. A coastal zone emergency action subplan is a plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all public
authorities (including the local council) in response to emergencies immediately preceding or during
periods of beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability, where the beach erosion, coastal inundation
or cliff instability occurs through storm activity or an extreme or irregular event. For the purposes of this
subsection, those roles and responsibilities include the carrying out of works for the protection of property
affected or likely to be affected by beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability.

4. A coastal management program must not include the following—

(a)  matters dealt with in any plan made under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 in
relation to the response to emergencies,

(b)  proposed actions or activities to be carried out by any public authority or relating to any land or other
assets owned or managed by a public authority, unless the public authority has agreed to the inclusion of
City of Newcastle

those proposed actions or activities in the program.

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Relevant mandatory requirements of the Coastal Management Manual Part A - Requirements for preparing a
CMP which includes a proposed or mapped coastal vulnerability area:

[Link] coastal hazards have been identified in a coastal management area, a CMP must identify
proposed coastal management actions for those hazards.

11. If the CM Act requires that a coastal zone emergency action subplan be prepared, it must identify any
requirements for how emergency coastal protection works, within the meaning of the CM SEPP, are to be
carried out.

Note: Clause 19(4) of the SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021, defines emergency coastal protection works to mean ‘works comprising the
placement of sand, or the placing of sandbags for a period of not more than 90 days, on a beach, or a sand dune adjacent to a beach, to
mitigate the effects of coastal hazards on land’.

City of Newcastle’s Local Emergency Management Plan 2019

Annexure C of the City of Newcastle’s Local Emergency Management Plan 2019 (Newcastle EMPLAN) provides
a summary of the hazards that may cause loss of life, property, utilities, services and/or the community’s
ability to function within its normal capacity, i.e., those hazards identified as having the potential to create an
emergency, as well as a Combat Agency responsible for responding to the emergency..

The risk associated with coastal erosion at Stockton is described as “major beach erosion certain and dunal
recession likely. Potentially dangerous inundation of eastern areas of Stockton and possible building damage
or collapse because of undermining of foundation or wave action”. Coastal erosion is rated as “Likely”, with
“Major” consequence, resulting in a “High” risk prioritisation.

The probabilistic hazard assessment undertaken in accordance with the Coastal Management Manual,
indicates that Stockton Beach is currently at high to extreme risk, with public assets at immediate threat
requiring urgent protection.

Annexure D of the Newcastle EMPLAN contains a table which lists eight supporting documents, including
outdated references to the Emergency Action Subplan as part of the CZMP (2018) and City of Newcastle’s
Flood Emergency Sub Plan. It is recommended that all references relevant to the Stockton CZEAS in the
Newcastle EMPLAN are reviewed and updated as necessary.

Stockton Emergency Action Subplan 41

 [Link]
City of Newcastle

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